Mobile device case and armband with fluid chamber

ABSTRACT

A case for a mobile device including a body with a fluid chamber configured to retain fluid therein. An armband for a mobile device includes a band with a fluid chamber configured to retain fluid therein. The fluid chamber may serve to cushion the mobile device or wearer&#39;s arm when in use.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/023,733, filed Jul. 11, 2014, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to cases and armbands for mobile devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile devices, in the form of phones, computers, digital assistants,and hand held devices have become commonplace in society. Cellularphones, for example, are now carried by individuals at work, at home, atplay, and in a variety of other environments. The increased range ofwireless communication coverage enhances the variety of environments inwhich wireless-enabled mobile devices may be used. It may not be unusualto see a mobile device used while an individual is at the beach, at themall, near a river, walking over a rocky surface, or hiking up amountain.

In addition, the increased amount of time that an individual spendsholding a mobile device may increase the probability that the individualdrops a mobile device. Armbands and mobile device cases that merelyprotect mobile devices from dirt and scratches may be insufficient toprotect the device from impact applied directly to the armband or case.The strength of such an impact may be great because users are now morelikely to carry mobile devices over hard surfaces like concrete,asphalt, rocks, or the like. In addition, the variety of environments inwhich mobile devices are used may increase the probability that theindividual's hands are slick, which allows the mobile device to moreeasily slip out of the user's hand (e.g., at the beach, at the gym).Such impact may crack, disengage, or otherwise damage electroniccomponents within the mobile device, or may shatter a view screen ortouch screen on the device, or may cause the mobile device to fall intowater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cases and armbands disclosed herein are intended to address the needin the art identified by the inventors for greater impact resistance fora mobile device. The variety of environments that mobile devices are nowused in may demand greater protection for a mobile device when used witha mobile device case or armband. In addition, the variety ofenvironments may demand a lighter weight case than is normally used, orcase that may float upon a liquid such as water. In addition, animproved fit of the case to the mobile device, or an improved fit of thearmband to the wearer's arm may be desired.

In one embodiment, a case for a mobile device may include a bodyconfigured to couple to the mobile device and cover at least a portionof the mobile device. The body may include a fluid chamber that isconfigured to retain fluid therein and be positioned upon the mobiledevice when the mobile device is coupled to the body.

In one embodiment, a case for mobile device may include a base wallconfigured to cover a surface of the mobile device. The case may includea plurality of side walls each configured to cover a respective sidesurface of the mobile device and form at least two corners of the caseand extend from the base wall such that the plurality of side walls andthe base wall form a recess for receiving the mobile device. One of theplurality of side walls may include a plurality of fluid chambers eachconfigured to retain fluid therein and be positioned between two of theat least two corners.

In one embodiment, a case for a mobile device may include a base wallconfigured to cover a surface of the mobile device. The case may includea plurality of side walls each configured to cover a respective sidesurface of the mobile device and form at least two corners of the case.One of the plurality of side walls may include a fluid chamberconfigured to retain fluid therein and be positioned between two of theat least two corners.

In one embodiment, a case for a mobile device may include a base wallconfigured to cover a surface of the mobile device and may include afluid chamber. The case may include a plurality of side walls eachconfigured to cover a respective side surface of the mobile device andextend from the base wall such that the plurality of side walls and thebase wall form a recess for receiving the mobile device.

In one embodiment, an armband for a mobile device may include a bandconfigured to extend around at least a portion of a wearer's arm and beheld to the wearer's arm. The band may include a fluid chamber that isconfigured to retain fluid therein. The armband may include a couplerconfigured to couple the mobile device to the band.

In one embodiment, an armband for a mobile device may include a housingconfigured to receive the mobile device. The armband may include a firstarm coupled to the housing and configured to extend around at least aportion of the wearer's arm, and a second arm coupled to the housing andconfigured to extend around at least a portion of the wearer's arm. Thearmband may include a fluid chamber configured to retain fluid therein,and being coupled to the housing and positioned such that the fluidchamber is positioned between the housing and the wearer's arm when thearmband is held to the wearer's arm.

In one embodiment, a method may include coupling a mobile device to amobile device case body that includes a fluid chamber configured toretain fluid therein. The method may include activating a pumppositioned on the mobile device case body to provide fluid to orwithdraw fluid from the fluid chamber.

In one embodiment, a method may include coupling an armband to awearer's arm. The armband may include a fluid chamber configured toretain fluid therein, and a coupler configured to couple a mobile deviceto the armband. The method may include activating a pump positioned onthe armband to provide fluid to or withdraw fluid from the fluidchamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become appreciatedas the same become better understood with reference to thespecification, claims, and appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of a case fora mobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6D illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8D illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8E illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8F illustrates a front view of an inner wall for a case for amobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8G illustrates a right side view of an inner wall for a case for amobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8H illustrates a bottom view of an inner wall for a case for amobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8I illustrates a top view of an inner wall for a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9D illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15C illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15D illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15E illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B illustrates a front perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19C illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19D illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19E illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20C illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20D illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20E illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21B illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21C illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21D illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21E illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22A illustrates a rear perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25A illustrates a front right perspective view of an armband for amobile device with a portion cut-away, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25B illustrates a front right perspective view of a fluid chamberfor an armband for a mobile device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25C illustrates a front right perspective view of an armband for amobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25D illustrates a front left perspective view of a fluid chamberfor an armband for a mobile device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25E illustrates a front left perspective view of an armband for amobile device with a portion cut-away, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 25F illustrates a front left perspective view of an armband for amobile device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26A illustrates a front view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26B illustrates a rear view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27A illustrates a front view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27B illustrates a left side view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27C illustrates a right side view of an armband for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27D illustrates a rear view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27E illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27F illustrates a front perspective view of an armband for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28B illustrates a rear view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28C illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28D illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28E illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28F illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28G illustrates a side perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29A illustrates a front view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29B illustrates a rear view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29C illustrates a left side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29D illustrates a right side view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29E illustrates a bottom view of a case for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29F illustrates a top view of a case for a mobile device, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29G illustrates a side perspective view of a case for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30A illustrates a front view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30B illustrates a rear view of an armband for a mobile device,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30C illustrates a rear perspective view of an armband for a mobiledevice, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30D illustrates a rear perspective view of a fluid chamber for usewith an armband for a mobile device, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a case 110 for a mobile device. Thecase 110 includes a body 112 that includes a fluid chamber 114. Thefluid chamber 114 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 112.

The body 112 includes a base wall 116 and a plurality of side walls 118that extend from the base wall 116. The base wall 116 is configured tocover a surface, or back surface, of a mobile device that may be coupledto the body 112. The side walls 118 are each configured to cover arespective side surface of the mobile device that may be coupled to thebody 112.

The side walls 118 may extend from the base wall 116 such that theplurality of side walls 118 and the base wall 116 form a recess forreceiving the mobile device. The mobile device is positioned in therecess for the mobile device to couple to the body 112. The recess mayhave a similar configuration as the recess 217 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2Dfor example. The base wall 116 and side walls 118 may define the shapeof the recess. The base wall 116 and side walls 118 may be configuredsuch that the body 112 forms a form fit around the mobile device. Therecess may substantially have the shape of the mobile device. The mobiledevice may couple to the body 112 by merely being placed within therecess, or a small lip of the body 112 may extend over a portion of themobile device, or another form of attachment device may be used tocouple the mobile device to the body 112.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the fluid chamber 114 is included inthe base wall 116. The fluid chamber 114 is configured to retain fluidtherein. The fluid may be a gas, a liquid, a gel, or combinationsthereof. The gas may be air or another form of gas. In otherembodiments, other forms of fluids may be used within the fluid chamber114. The fluid chamber 114 may be positioned on the base wall 116 suchthat the fluid chamber 114 is positioned upon the mobile device when themobile device is coupled to the body 112.

The fluid chamber 114 may be configured to cushion the mobile devicefrom a force applied to the body 112. The fluid chamber 114 may beconfigured to cushion the mobile device based on the force beingabsorbed by the fluid. In an embodiment in which the fluid is a gas, theforce may be absorbed by the gas compressing in response to the force.The fluid chamber 114 may beneficially be a compressible fluid chamber114 in an embodiment in which a gas, for example air, is used in thechamber 114. The compression properties of the fluid chamber 114increase the ability of the fluid chamber 114 to absorb the force. In anembodiment in which the fluid is a liquid or gel, the force may beabsorbed by the force being transmitted through the liquid or gel. Inother embodiments, the fluid chamber 114 may cushion the force throughanother manner. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 114 may includeflexible side walls. The flexible side walls may flex or have a shapethat varies in response to the force to enhance the ability of the fluidchamber 114 to cushion the mobile device from the force.

The fluid chamber 114 may be configured to be sealed fluid-tight suchthat no fluid may enter or escape the fluid chamber 114 during use ofthe case 110. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 114 may be configuredsuch that the seal may be broken by a user inserting fluid to orwithdrawing fluid from the fluid chamber 114. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 114 may be pre-filled with all or only a portion of thefluid chamber 114 filled with the fluid. The pre-filled fluid chamber114 may be coupled to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 114 may be configured to be entirely or partially filled with afluid after the fluid chamber 114 is coupled to the mobile device. Insuch an embodiment, the fluid chamber 114 may have increased flexibilityto be positioned upon the mobile device in the manner desired, and isthen later entirely or partially filled with the fluid.

In one embodiment, the fluid may be configured to have a density that isless than the density of water. The density of the fluid in the fluidchamber 114 may assist the body 112 to float if the body 112 is droppedin water. The fluid chamber 114 may be configured to retain a sufficientamount of fluid to allow the body 112 and attached mobile device tofloat upon water.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the fluid chamber 114 may form theentirety of the base wall 116 or only a portion of the base wall 116.The fluid chamber 114 may be positioned between two walls of the basewall 116, the walls being either flexible walls or rigid walls. The basewall 116 may include a surface that is configured to face towards themobile device when the mobile device is received in the recess, and thefluid chamber 114 may be positioned upon the surface. The base wall 116may include a rigid or flexible wall that is configured to cover atleast one surface of the mobile device, with the fluid chamber 114 beingpositioned between the rigid or flexible wall and the mobile device whenthe mobile device is coupled to the body 112.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fluid chambers 114 may be included inthe base wall 116. The plurality of fluid chambers 114 may be either influid communication with each other or in fluid isolation from eachother. In one embodiment, the plurality of fluid chambers 114 may beincluded in both the base wall 116 and at least one of the side walls118, which may include all of the side walls 118. In one embodiment, theplurality of fluid chambers 114 may be included solely in at least oneof the side walls 118, which may include all of the side walls 118. Inone embodiment, a single fluid chamber 114 may be included in both thebase wall 116 and at least one of the side walls 118, which may includeall of the side walls 118. In one embodiment, a single fluid chamber 114may be included solely in at least one of the side walls 118, which mayinclude all of the side walls 118.

The body 112 may include an opening 120 or other openings that provideaccess to a feature of the mobile device. As shown in FIG. 1A, anopening 120 may be positioned on the base wall 116 to allow access to afeature such as a camera of the mobile device. The side walls 118 of thebody 112 may include flexible portions 122 that allow access to featuresof the mobile device. As shown in FIG. 1A, the flexible portions 122 mayallow access to a rocker switch of the mobile device.

The body 112 may be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the body 112 includes a base wall 116 withmultilayered side walls 118. The side walls 118 include an inner layerthat is integral with the base wall 116 and an outer layer that forms abumper 124 that is separable from the base wall 116. The bumper 124separated from the base wall 116 is shown in FIG. 1B. The bumper 124 mayform a band that extends over the inner layer of the side walls 118shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment, the bumper 124 may extend over onlya portion of the inner layer of the side walls 118.

The base wall 116 and the inner layer of the side walls 118 may be madeof a flexible material to allow these portions of the body 112 to moreeasily fit over the mobile device. The bumper 124 may be made of a morerigid material to add support to the body 112. In one embodiment, thebase wall 116 and the inner layer of the side walls 118, and the bumper124, may be made of the same material, or materials having a similardegree of flexibility. In one embodiment, the base wall 116 and theinner layer of the side walls 118, and the bumper 124 may be integralwith one another. For example, in one embodiment, these portions of thebody 112 may be dual injection molded together.

FIG. 1B displays the movement of the bumper 124 to be placed upon orwithdrawn from the base wall 116 and the inner layer of the side walls118. The base wall 116 and the inner layer of the side walls 118 may becoupled to the mobile device first and then the bumper 124 may be addedafterwards. A lip 126 extending from the edge of the side wall 118 mayimpede the movement of the bumper 124 as it is added. The body 112 isremoved from the mobile device in a reverse operation.

The body 112 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has a substantially rectangularshape. The substantially rectangular shape may conform to the shape ofthe mobile device to be coupled to the body 112. The recess of the body112 may have a substantially rectangular shape to conform to the shapeof the mobile device. In one embodiment, the body 112 may have adifferent shape that conforms to the shape of the mobile device to becoupled to the body, for example an oval or oblong shape, or anothershape, as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall 116, and/or the sidewalls 118 may have a greater or fewer number of pieces than shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the base wall 116 may be made of multiplepieces that couple together.

In one embodiment, the base wall 116 and the inner layer of the sidewalls 118 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. The bumper 124 maybe made of a more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplasticpolyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, theportions of the body 112 may be made of the same material or materialshaving similar properties such as flexibility.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a case 210 for a mobile device. Thecase 210 includes a body 212 that includes a fluid chamber 214. Thefluid chamber 214 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 212. Elements that include the same last two digits of areference number in this application, for the various embodiments ofcases or armbands in this application, are similar elements and thedescription of these elements applies across the embodiments, unlessotherwise stated. The elements of any of the embodiments of cases orarmbands in this application may be interchanged with one another orincluded with one another to produce a desired result.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the fluid chamber 214 forms an innerlayer of the base wall 216. The fluid chamber 214 forms a lining of anouter layer of the base wall 216. The base wall 216 includes a surfacethat is configured to face towards the mobile device when the mobiledevice is received by the recess 217. The fluid chamber 214 ispositioned upon this surface 219, which is visible through the fluidchamber 214 in FIG. 2A. The side walls 218 each include a surface thatis configured to face towards the mobile device when the mobile deviceis received by the recess 217. The fluid chamber 214 is positioned uponthese surfaces, which are the interior surfaces of the outer layer ofthe side walls, as shown by reference number 221 in FIG. 2D. The fluidchamber 214 separated from these surfaces is shown in FIG. 2C. The fluidchamber 214 may cover the entirety of the interior surfaces of the outerlayer of the base wall 216 and/or side walls 218, or only a portion ofthe interior surfaces of the outer layer of the base wall 216 and/orside walls 218, which may include a majority of the interior surfaces ofthe outer layer of the base wall 216 and/or side walls 218.

The outer layer of the base wall 216 or side walls 218 that the fluidchamber 214 is positioned upon may be either flexible or rigid. In anembodiment in which the outer layers are rigid, the outer layers mayform a rigid wall that is configured to cover at least one surface ofthe mobile device as shown in FIG. 2A. The fluid chamber 214 ispositioned between the rigid wall and the mobile device when the mobiledevice is coupled to the body 212. The fluid chamber 214 may besimilarly positioned in an embodiment in which outer layers of the sidewalls 218 form rigid walls. The fluid chamber 214 may be similarlypositioned in an embodiment in which the base wall 216 and/or side walls218 form flexible walls.

A portion of the base wall 216 and/or side walls 218 may include anopening 228 that exposes at least a portion of the fluid chamber 214.The opening 228 may be in an outer layer of the base wall 216 and/orside walls 218, which may be rigid (as shown in FIG. 2A) or flexiblewalls. Openings may be positioned on the bottom of the body 212 andallow access to features of the mobile device. A flexible portion 222 onthe top of the body may allow access to a feature of the mobile device.

The fluid chamber 214 may be configured to be separably coupled to theouter wall, or may be integrally coupled to the wall. The fluid chamber214 may be configured to be transparent or translucent.

FIG. 2B illustrates a right side view of the body 212. Openings 228 arevisible in the rigid outer wall that expose at least a portion of thefluid chamber 214.

FIG. 2C illustrates a view with the fluid chamber 214 separated from theouter layer of the base wall 216 and side walls 218. Flexible portions222 allow access to features of the mobile device. A plurality ofopenings 228 in the base wall 216 expose at least a portion of the fluidchamber 214. The openings 228 in the base wall 216 may also form a gripstructure for a user's hand. An opening 220 may be positioned on thebase wall 216 to allow access to a feature such as a camera of themobile device.

A mobile device 230 for use with any of the embodiments of cases orarmbands shown or discussed in this application is shown in FIG. 2C. Themobile device 230 as shown in FIG. 2C is a phone, however in otherembodiments the mobile device 230 may be a computer, tablet, orcombination of phone, computer, or tablet. In one embodiment, the mobiledevice 230 may be an iPod® or iPhone® as sold by Apple®, including anyversion of an iPhone® such as an iPhone 3® or iPhone 3S®, iPhone 4® or4S®, iPhone 5® or 5S®, or iPhone 6®. In one embodiment, the mobiledevice 230 may be an iPad® as sold by Apple®, including any version ofan iPad® such as an iPad Mini®, iPad Air®, iPad®, or iPad 2®. In oneembodiment, the mobile device 230 may be a mobile device sold bySamsung® such as a version of a Samsung Galaxy®, or a mobile device soldby another manufacturer such a version of an HTC One®, a Google Nexus®,a Nokia Lumia®, or mobile devices sold by other manufacturers.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the mobile device 230 has arectangular shape, although in other embodiments alternative shapes maybe used if desired. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the mobiledevice 230 includes corner surfaces 229, and side surfaces 231 that arepositioned between the respective corner surfaces 229. Any of theembodiments of cases shown or discussed in this application may coverthe respective corner surfaces 229 and/or side surfaces 231 of a mobiledevice unless otherwise stated. The side walls at the corners of theembodiments of cases shown or discussed in this application areconfigured to be positioned upon a respective corner surface of themobile device, unless otherwise stated. The portions of the side wallsbetween the corners of the embodiments of cases shown or discussed inthis application are side portions of the side walls and are configuredto be positioned upon respective side surfaces of the mobile device,unless otherwise stated.

In one embodiment, the outer layer of the base wall 216 or side walls218 that the fluid chamber 214 is positioned upon may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 214 may alsobe made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer maybe a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the outerlayer of the base wall 216 or side walls 218 that the fluid chamber 214is positioned upon, or the fluid chamber 214 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 212 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 212 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility.

FIG. 2D illustrates a front perspective view of the fluid chamber 214 inposition within the body, forming a layer on the interior surfaces 221of the outer layer of the side walls and the base wall 216.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a case 310 for a mobile device. Thecase 310 includes a body 312 that includes a fluid chamber 314. Thefluid chamber 314 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 312. The mobile device may be positioned in and received by therecess 317. A small lip may extend over the mobile device from the sidewalls 318 to hold the mobile device 330 to the body 312.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the fluid chamber 314 forms an innerlayer of the base wall 316, similar to the configuration of the fluidchamber 214 shown in FIG. 2A. The outer layer of the base wall 316, maybe a rigid wall, similar to the configuration of the outer layer of thebase wall 216 shown in FIG. 2C. The outer layer of the base wall 316,however, includes a central opening 328 (marked in FIGS. 3C and 3D) thatexposes at least a portion of the fluid chamber 314. The opening 328 mayhave a rectangular shape as shown and may expose more than about 25% andless than about 35% of the portion of the fluid chamber 314 that linesthe outer layer of the base wall 316. In other embodiments, the size ofthe opening 328 may be varied as desired. In one embodiment, the outerlayer of the base wall 316 or side walls 318 that the fluid chamber 314is positioned upon may be flexible.

FIG. 3B illustrates a right side view of the case 310. The outer layerof the base wall 316 may be angled in a direction away from the front ofthe case 310 as shown.

FIG. 3C illustrates a rear perspective view of the case 310. The fluidchamber 314 is visible through the opening 328.

FIG. 3D illustrates a front perspective view of the case with the fluidchamber 314 removed. Similar to the fluid chamber shown in FIG. 2A, thefluid chamber 314 may be separable from the outer layer of the base wall316 and side walls 318. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 314 may beintegral with the outer layer of the base wall 316 and side walls 318.

In one embodiment, the outer layer of the base wall 316 or side walls318 that the fluid chamber 314 is positioned upon may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 314 may alsobe made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer maybe a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the outerlayer of the base wall 316 or side walls 318 that the fluid chamber 314is positioned upon, or the fluid chamber 314 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 312 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 312 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a case 410 for a mobile device. Thecase 410 includes a body 412 that includes a fluid chamber 414. Thefluid chamber 414 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 412.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the fluid chamber 414 is included inthe outer layer of the side walls 418. The outer layer forms a bumper424 that is separable from the base wall 416. The bumper 424 separatedfrom the base wall 416 is shown in FIG. 4B. The bumper 424 may form aband that extends over the inner layer of the side walls 418 shown inFIG. 4B. The bumper 424 is configured to be positioned upon at least aportion of a side surface of the mobile device. In one embodiment, thebumper 424 may extend over only a portion of the inner layer of the sidewalls 418.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fluid chambers 414 may be included inthe bumper 424. The plurality of fluid chambers 414 may be either influid communication with each other or in fluid isolation from eachother. In one embodiment, the plurality of fluid chambers 414 may beincluded in the bumper 424 and/or the base wall 416 and/or a remainingportion of the side walls 418, which may include all of the side walls.

The base wall 416 and the inner layer of the side walls 418 may be madeof a flexible material to allow these portions of the body 412 to moreeasily fit over the mobile device. The bumper 424 may be made of a morerigid material to add support to the body 412. In one embodiment, thebase wall 416 and the inner layer of the side walls 418, and the bumper424, may be made of the same material, or materials having a similardegree of flexibility. In one embodiment, the base wall 416 and theinner layer of the side walls 418, and the bumper 424 may be integralwith one another. For example, in one embodiment, these portions of thebody 412 may be dual injection molded together.

FIG. 4C displays the movement of the bumper 424 to be placed upon orwithdrawn from the base wall 416 and the inner layer of the side walls418. The base wall 416 and the inner layer of the side walls 418 may becoupled to the mobile device first and then the bumper 424 may be addedafterwards. A lip 426 extending from the edge of the side wall 418 mayimpede the movement of the bumper 424 as it is added. The body 412 isremoved from the mobile device in a reverse operation.

In one embodiment, the base wall 416 or inner layer of the side walls418 that the fluid chamber 414 is positioned upon may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 414 may alsobe made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer maybe a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall416 or inner layer of the side walls 418 that the fluid chamber 414 ispositioned upon, or the fluid chamber 414 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 412 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 412 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a case 510 for a mobile device. Thecase 510 includes a body 512 that includes a fluid chamber 514. Thefluid chamber 514 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 512.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the fluid chamber 514 is included asa portion of the side wall 518. The fluid chamber 514 is positioned in acut out portion of the side wall 518. One fluid chamber 514 is on a leftside wall 518 and another fluid chamber 514 is on a right side wall 518.These fluid chambers 514 are in line with the rest of the respectiveside walls 518 such that the fluid chamber 514 and side walls form asingle layer structure of the side walls 518.

FIG. 5B illustrates a left side view of the case. The fluid chamber 514forms a portion of the side walls 518. FIG. 5C illustrates a right sideview of the case 510. The fluid chamber 514 forms a portion of the sidewalls 518.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front perspective view of the case 510 with theplurality of fluid chambers 514 separated from the base wall 516 and theremaining portions of the side walls 518. The fluid chambers 514 may beconfigured to be separably coupled to the base wall 516 and theremaining portions of the side walls 518. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 514 may be configured to be integrally coupled to the base wall516 and the remaining portions of the side walls 518.

As shown in FIG. 5D, fluid chambers 514 may form a multilayer structure,with the fluid chambers 514 forming an inner layer of the side walls 518at the corners of the case 510. The fluid chamber 514 at the corners ofthe case 510 form an inner layer covered by an outer layer of the sidewalls 518. Connector portions 523 join the fluid chambers 514 to eachother, yet are not configured to retain fluid. In one embodiment, thefluid chambers 514 may form an inner or outer layer that extends overall or a portion of the side walls 518.

The fluid chambers 514 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 512 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Thebase wall 516 and remaining portions of the side walls 518 may be madeof a more rigid material to add support to the body 512. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 514 and the base wall 516 and remainingportions of the side walls 518 may be made of the same material, ormaterials having a similar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, thefluid chambers 514 and the base wall 516 and remaining portions of theside walls 518 may be integral with one another. For example, in oneembodiment, these portions of the body 512 may be dual injection moldedtogether.

In one embodiment, the base wall 516 or portions of the side walls 518that the fluid chamber 514 is coupled to may be made of a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 514 may also be madefrom a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall516 or portions of the side walls 518 that the fluid chamber 514 iscoupled to, or the fluid chambers 514 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 512 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 512 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portion of the side walls 518forming the top side wall and bottom side wall may be may made ofthermoplastic polyurethane, and the base wall 516 may be made of apolycarbonate.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a case 610 for a mobile device. Thecase 610 includes a body 612 that includes a fluid chamber 614. Thefluid chamber 614 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 612.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the fluid chamber 614 is included asa portion of the side wall 618. The fluid chamber 614 is positioned in acut out portion of the side wall 618, with the remaining portion of theside wall surrounding the fluid chamber 614. One fluid chamber 614 is ona left side wall 618 and another fluid chamber 614 is on a right sidewall 618. These fluid chambers 614 are in line with the rest of the sidewalls 618 such that the fluid chamber 614 and side walls form a singlelayer structure of the side walls 618.

FIG. 6B illustrates a left side view of the case. The fluid chamber 614forms a portion of the side walls 618. FIG. 6C illustrates a right sideview of the case 610. The fluid chamber 614 forms a portion of the sidewalls 618.

FIG. 6D illustrates a front perspective view of the case 610 with theplurality of fluid chambers 614 separated from the base wall 616 and theremaining portions of the side walls 618. The fluid chambers 614 may beconfigured to be separably coupled to the base wall 616 and theremaining portions of the side walls 618. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 614 may be configured to be integrally coupled to the base wall616 and the remaining portions of the side walls 618.

As shown in FIG. 6D, fluid chambers 614 may form a multilayer structure,with the fluid chambers 614 forming an inner layer of the side walls 618at the corners of the case 610. The fluid chamber 614 at the corners ofthe case 610 form an inner layer covered by an outer layer of the sidewalls 618. Connector portions 623 join the fluid chambers 614 to eachother, yet are not configured to retain fluid. In one embodiment, thefluid chambers 614 may form an inner or outer layer that extends overall or a portion of the side walls 618.

The fluid chambers 614 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 612 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Thebase wall 616 and remaining portions of the side walls 618 may be madeof a more rigid material to add support to the body 612. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 614 and the base wall 616 and remainingportions of the side walls 618 may be made of the same material, ormaterials having a similar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, thefluid chambers 614 and the base wall 616 and remaining portions of theside walls 618 may be integral with one another. For example, in oneembodiment, these portions of the body 612 may be dual injection moldedtogether.

In one embodiment, the base wall 616 or portions of the side walls 618that the fluid chamber 614 is coupled to may be made of a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 614 may also be madefrom a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall616 or portions of the side walls 618 that the fluid chamber 614 iscoupled to, or the fluid chambers 614 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 612 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 612 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portion of the side walls 618forming the top side wall and bottom side wall may be may made ofthermoplastic polyurethane, and the base wall 616 may be made of apolycarbonate.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a case 710 for a mobile device. Thecase 710 includes a body 712 that includes a fluid chamber 714. Thefluid chamber 714 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 712.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the fluid chamber 714 is included asa portion of the side wall 718. The fluid chamber 714 forms amultilayered structure with the remaining portion of the side wall 718.The fluid chamber forms an inner layer of the side wall 718, with theremaining portion of the side wall 718 forming an outer layer of theside wall 718. An opening 728 exposes at least a portion of the fluidchamber 714. One fluid chamber 714 is on a left side wall 718 andanother fluid chamber 714 is on a right side wall 718.

FIG. 7B illustrates a right side view of the case 710. The fluid chamber714 forms a portion of the side walls 718.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear perspective view of the case 710 with theplurality of fluid chambers 714 separated from the base wall 716 and theremaining portions of the side walls 718. The fluid chambers 714 may beconfigured to be separably coupled to the base wall 716 and theremaining portions of the side walls 718. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 714 may be configured to be integrally coupled to the base wall716 and the remaining portions of the side walls 718.

As shown in FIG. 7C, fluid chambers 714 at the corners of the case mayform a multilayer structure similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5Aand 6A. The fluid chambers 714 at the corners may form an inner layer ofthe side walls 718 covered by an outer layer of the side walls 718. Inone embodiment, connector portions may join the fluid chambers 714 toeach other, yet are not configured to retain fluid. In one embodiment,the fluid chambers 714 may form an inner or outer layer that extendsover all or a portion of the side walls 718.

The fluid chambers 714 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 712 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Thebase wall 716 and remaining portions of the side walls 718 may be madeof a more rigid material to add support to the body 712. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 714 and the base wall 716 and remainingportions of the side walls 718 may be made of the same material, ormaterials having a similar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, thefluid chambers 714 and the base wall 716 and remaining portions of theside walls 718 may be integral with one another. For example, in oneembodiment, these portions of the body 712 may be dual injection moldedtogether.

In one embodiment, the base wall 716 or portions of the side walls 718that the fluid chamber 714 is coupled to may be made of a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 714 may also be madefrom a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall716 or portions of the side walls 718 that the fluid chamber 714 iscoupled to, or the fluid chambers 714 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 712 may be made ofthe same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 712 may be madeof different material or materials having different properties such asflexibility.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of a case 810 for a mobile device. Thecase 810 includes a body 812 that includes a fluid chamber 814. Thefluid chamber 814 is configured to retain, fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 812.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the body 812 forms a band configuredto cover at least a portion of a side surface of a mobile device coupledthereto. The band includes an inner wall forming an inner layer 832 ofthe case 810, and a fluid chamber 814 that forms an outer layer of thecase 810. The fluid chamber 814 forms at least a portion of the band.The fluid chamber 814 has a larger size at the corners of the case 810.The fluid chamber 814 at the corners forms corner cushions for the case810. The fluid chamber 814 forms a bumper that is configured to bepositioned on at least a portion of a side surface of the mobile device.The fluid chamber 814 extends around the inner layer 832. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8A the fluid chamber 814 is configured toextend around the entirety of the mobile device. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 814 may extend over only a portion of the side surface ofthe mobile device.

The case 810 includes an opening 834 that the mobile device extendsthrough. The opening 834 is defined by the band. FIG. 8B illustrates aright side view of the case 810. FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom view ofthe case 810. FIG. 8D illustrates a top view of the case 810.

FIG. 8E illustrates the inner layer 832 separate from the fluid chamber814. The inner layer 832 may be separably coupled to the fluid chamber814. In one embodiment, the inner layer may be integrally coupled to thefluid chamber 814.

FIG. 8F illustrates a front view of the inner wall that forms the innerlayer 832. Cut out slots at the corners of the inner layer 832 may allowthe mobile device to be snapped to the inner layer 832 more easily. FIG.8G illustrates a right side view of the inner layer 832. FIG. 8Hillustrates a bottom view of the inner layer 832. FIG. 8I illustrates atop view of the inner layer 832.

The fluid chamber 814 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 812 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Theinner layer 832 may be made of a more rigid material to add support tothe body 812. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 814 and the innerlayer 832 may be made of the same material, or materials having asimilar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 814and the inner layer 832 may be integral with one another. For example,in one embodiment, these portions of the body 812 may be dual injectionmolded together.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 814 and the inner layer 832 may bemade of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 814may also be made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment,the fluid chamber 814 and the inner layer 832 may be made of a morerigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane,polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body812 may be made of the same material or materials having similarproperties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of thebody 812 may be made of different material or materials having differentproperties such as flexibility.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a case 910 for a mobile device. Thecase 910 includes a body 912 that includes a fluid chamber 914. Thefluid chamber 914 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 912.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the body 912 forms a band configuredto cover at least a portion of a side surface of a mobile device coupledthereto. The band includes an inner wall forming an inner layer 932 ofthe case 910, and a fluid chamber 914 that forms an outer layer of thecase 910. The fluid chamber 914 forms at least a portion of the band.The fluid chamber 914 is shaped to form a grip structure 936 on thefluid chamber 914, in the form of a plurality of raised portions for auser's hand to grip. The fluid chamber 914 has a larger size at thecorners of the case 910. The fluid chamber 914 extends around the innerlayer 932. The fluid chamber 914 at the corners forms corner cushionsfor the case 910. The fluid chamber 914 forms a bumper that isconfigured to be positioned on at least a portion of a side surface ofthe mobile device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A the fluid chamber914 is configured to extend around the entirety of the mobile device. Inone embodiment, the fluid chamber 914 may extend over only a portion ofthe side surface of the mobile device.

The case 910 includes an opening 934 that the mobile device extendsthrough. The opening 934 is defined by the band. FIG. 9B illustrates aright side view of the case 910. FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of thecase 810.

FIG. 9D illustrates the inner layer 932 separate from the fluid chamber914. The inner layer 932 may be separably coupled to the fluid chamber914. In one embodiment, the inner layer may be integrally coupled to thefluid chamber 914.

The fluid chamber 914 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 912 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Theinner layer 932 may be made of a more rigid material to add support tothe body 912. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 914 and the innerlayer 932 may be made of the same material, or materials having asimilar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 914and the inner layer 932 may be integral with one another. For example,in one embodiment, these portions of the body 912 may be dual injectionmolded together.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 914 and the inner layer 932 may bemade of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 914may also be made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment,the fluid chamber 914 and the inner layer 932 may be made of a morerigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane,polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body912 may be made of the same material or materials having similarproperties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of thebody 912 may be made of different material or materials having differentproperties such as flexibility.

FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1010 for a mobile device.The case 1010 includes a body 1012 that includes a fluid chamber 1014.The fluid chamber 1014 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1012.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the fluid chamber 1014 is includedin the outer layer of the side walls 1018. The outer layer forms abumper 1024 that is separable from the base wall 1016. The bumper 1024separated from the base wall 1016 is shown in FIG. 10B. The bumper 1024may form a band that extends over the inner layer of the side walls 1018shown in FIG. 10B. In one embodiment, the bumper 1024 may extend overonly a portion of the inner layer of the side walls 1018.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fluid chambers 1014 may be included inthe bumper 1024. The plurality of fluid chambers 1014 may be either influid communication with each other or in fluid isolation from eachother. In one embodiment, the plurality of fluid chambers 1014 may beincluded in the bumper 1024 and/or the base wall 1016 and/or a remainingportion of the side walls 1018, which may include all of the side walls.

The base wall 1016 and the inner layer of the side walls 1018 may bemade of a flexible material to allow these portions of the body 1012 tomore easily fit over the mobile device. The bumper 1024 may be made of amore rigid material to add support to the body 1012. In one embodiment,the base wall 1016 and the inner layer of the side walls 1018, and thebumper 1024, may be made of the same material, or materials having asimilar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, the base wall 1016 andthe inner layer of the side walls 1018, and the bumper 1024 may beintegral with one another. For example, in one embodiment, theseportions of the body 1012 may be dual injection molded together.

FIG. 10B displays the movement of the bumper 1024 to be placed upon orwithdrawn from the base wall 1016 and the inner layer of the side walls1018. The base wall 1016 and the inner layer of the side walls 1018 maybe coupled to the mobile device first and then the bumper 1024 may beadded afterwards. A lip 1026 extending from the edge of the side wall1018 may impede the movement of the bumper 1024 as it is added. The body1012 is removed from the mobile device in a reverse operation.

In one embodiment, the base wall 1016 or inner layer of the side walls1018 that the fluid chamber 1014 is positioned upon may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 1014 may alsobe made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer maybe a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the base wall1016 or inner layer of the side walls 1018 that the fluid chamber 1014is positioned upon, or the fluid chamber 1014 may be made of a morerigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane,polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body1012 may be made of the same material or materials having similarproperties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of thebody 1012 may be made of different material or materials havingdifferent properties such as flexibility.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1110 for a mobile device.The case 1110 includes a body 1112 that includes a fluid chamber 1114.The fluid chamber 1114 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1112.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the fluid chamber 1114 forms aportion of the base wall and the side walls 1118. A bumper 1124 extendsaround the fluid chamber 1114 at the side walls 1118. The bumper 1124forms an outer layer of the side walls 1118 and the fluid chamber 1114forms an inner layer of the side walls 1118. The bumper 1124 forms aband that extends over the inner layer of the side walls 1118. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 1114 may form a portion of the base wall1116 or the side walls 1118.

FIG. 11B illustrates a right side view of the case 1110.

FIG. 11C illustrates a front perspective view of the case 1110 with thebumper 1124 separated from the base wall 1116 and the remaining portionsof the side walls 1118.

The fluid chamber 1114 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 1112 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Thebumper 1124 may be made of a more rigid material to add support to thebody 1112. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1114 and the bumper 1124may be made of the same material, or materials having a similar degreeof flexibility. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1114 and the bumper1124 may be integral with one another. For example, in one embodiment,these portions of the body 1112 may be dual injection molded together.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1114 and the bumper 1124 may bemade of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 1114may also be made from a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment,the fluid chamber 1114 and the bumper 1124 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1112 may be madeof the same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1112 may bemade of different material or materials having different properties suchas flexibility.

FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1210 for a mobile device.The case 1210 includes a body 1212 that includes a fluid chamber 1214.The fluid chamber 1214 (marked in FIG. 12B) is configured to retainfluid therein and be positioned upon the mobile device when the mobiledevice is coupled to the body 1212.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 12A is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 11A, yet the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A includes a cover 1238that extends over the fluid chamber 1214 and under the bumper 1224. Thecover 1238 forms an intermediate layer of the side walls 1218, with thefluid chamber 1214 forming an inner layer and the bumper 1224 forming anouter layer of the side walls 1218. The cover 1238 covers the entiretyof the fluid chamber 1214. In one embodiment, the cover 1238 may coveronly a portion of the fluid chamber 1214 or may cover only a portion ofthe mobile device 1230.

FIG. 12B illustrates a front perspective view of the case 1210 with thecover 1238 separate from the fluid chamber 1214 and the bumper 1224. Thefluid chamber 1214, bumper 1224 and cover 1238 may be separably coupledto each other.

FIG. 12C illustrates a front perspective view of the case 1210.

The fluid chamber 1214 and cover 1238 may be made of a flexible materialto allow these portions of the body 1212 to more easily fit over themobile device. The bumper 1224 may be made of a more rigid material toadd support to the body 1212. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1214,cover 1238 and the bumper 1224 may be made of the same material, ormaterials having a similar degree of flexibility. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 1214, cover 1238, and the bumper 1224 may be integral withone another. For example, in one embodiment, these portions of the body1212 may be dual injection molded together.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1214, the cover 1238, and thebumper 1224 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Thefluid chamber 1214 may also be made from a flexible material such as anelastomer. The elastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like.Other flexible materials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. Inone embodiment, the fluid chamber 1214, the cover 1238, and the bumper1224 may be made of a more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplasticpolyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, theportions of the body 1212 may be made of the same material or materialshaving similar properties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, theportions of the body 1212 may be made of different material or materialshaving different properties such as flexibility.

FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1310 for a mobile device.The case 1310 includes a body 1312 that includes a fluid chamber 1314.The fluid chamber 1314 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1312.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A, the fluid chamber 1314 forms aportion of the base wall 1316 and the side wall 1318. The body 1312includes a pump 1340 configured to provide fluid to or withdraw fluidfrom the fluid chamber 1314 when activated.

The pump 1340 as shown in FIG. 13A includes a bladder that is pressed bya user to provide fluid to the fluid chamber 1314. The pump 1340 maydraw fluid from outside of the fluid chamber 1314 and case 1310 to beprovided to the fluid chamber 1314. In an embodiment in which the fluidis air, the pump 1340 may draw air from outside of the case 1310. Thepump 1340 may include a valve that opens to allow fluid to enter thefluid chamber 1314 upon activation of the pump 1340. The valve may forma fluid tight seal of the fluid chamber 1314 when the valve is closed.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13A, the bladder of the pump 1340 mayprotrude from the outer surface of the base wall 1316. The protrusionmay be more easily pressed by a user to provide fluid to the fluidchamber 1314. The pump 1340 may be positioned centrally on the base wall1316 as shown in FIG. 13A. In one embodiment, the pump 1340 may bepositioned on any part of the body 1312, for example on one of the sidewalls 1318 or a corner of the base wall 1316.

In one embodiment, the pump 1340 may include a different device than abladder to be pressed. The pump 1340 may include a push button, aplunger, a rotary device, a diaphragm, or other device that operates asa pump. In one embodiment, the pump 1340 may be a fluid chamber 1314configured to vary in size by being pressed, to draw fluid to or from avalve.

The body 1312 may include a release valve 1342 that is configured toallow fluid to be released from the fluid chamber 1314 when activated.The release valve 1342 may be positioned on the fluid chamber 1314. Inone embodiment, the release valve 1342 may be positioned in a differentlocation on the body 1312. The release valve 1342 may include a buttonthat is pressed to open the release valve 1342. In one embodiment, therelease valve 1342 may have a different structure than shown in FIG.13A, for example, a plunger, pull tab, or other device for releasingfluid from a fluid chamber may be used.

The fluid chamber 1314 may be defined by the side walls of the base wall1316 or may include a separate chamber positioned between the sidewalls. The fluid chamber 1314 may be configured to increase in size, orinflate, as fluid is provided to the fluid chamber 1314 from the pump1340. In an embodiment in which the fluid chamber 1314 is configured toincrease in size when the fluid chamber 1314 is provided with fluid, thefluid chamber 1314 may include flexible side walls. The flexible sidewalls may flex or have a shape that varies as fluid is provided to orwithdrawn from the fluid chamber 1314.

The pump 1340 may be configured to provide fluid to or withdraw fluidfrom a single fluid chamber 1314 or a plurality of fluid chambers 1314.In one embodiment, a single fluid chamber 1314 may be included in thebase wall 1316 or at least one of the plurality of side walls 1318,which may include all of the side walls 1318. In one embodiment, aplurality of fluid chambers 1314 may be included in the base wall 1316or at least one of the plurality of side walls 1318, which may includeall of the side walls 1318. In one embodiment, multiple pumps 1340 orrelease valves 1342 may be used in combination with a single fluidchamber 1314 or multiple fluid chambers 1314.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front perspective view of the case 1310. Therecess 1317 is configured to receive the mobile device.

The pump 1340 may be activated after the mobile device has been coupledto the body 1312 or before. In an embodiment in which the pump 1340 isactivated after the mobile device has been coupled to the body 1312, theunpumped body 1312 may be more flexible prior to being coupled to themobile device. The more flexible body 1312 may be more easily coupled tothe mobile device. The fluid chamber 1314 may then be provided withfluid, which may increase the stiffness of the body 1312 and increasethe ability of the body 1312 to cushion the mobile device.

The fluid chamber 1314 and remaining portions of the body 1312 may bemade of a flexible material to allow the body 1312 to more easily fitover the mobile device. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1314 andremaining portions of the body 1312 may be made of a more rigidmaterial. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1314 and remainingportions of the body 1312 may be made of a different material, ormaterials having a different degree of flexibility.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1314 and remaining portions of thebody 1312 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment,the fluid chamber 1314 and remaining portions of the body 1312 may bemade of a more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplasticpolyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like.

FIG. 14A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1410 for a mobile device.The case 1410 includes a body 1412 that includes a fluid chamber 1414.The fluid chamber 1414 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1412.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14B is similar to the embodiment shownin FIGS. 13A-13B. The dimensions, however, of the case 1410 vary as itmay be sized for a larger mobile device than the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13A-13B.

The dimensions of the case 1310 shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, for example, mayhave dimensions of between about 6 and 4 inches in length, and have awidth of between about 3 and 2 inches. The case 1310 preferably has alength between about 5 and 4.5 inches in length, and a width of betweenabout 2.5 and 2 inches. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the case1310 may be varied as desired. Any of the embodiments of cases shown ordiscussed in this application may be sized in the manner discussed inregard to the case 1310.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, for example, may be configured tocouple to a “tablet” style mobile device. The case 1410 may havedimensions of between about 10 and 7 inches in length, and have a widthof between about 8 and 5 inches. The case 1410 preferably has a lengthbetween about 9.5 and 7.5 inches, and a width of between about 7.5 and 5inches. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the case 1410 may be variedas desired. Any of the embodiments of cases shown or discussed in thisapplication may be sized in the manner discussed in regard to the case1410.

FIG. 15A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1510 for a mobile device.The case 1510 includes a body 1512 that includes a fluid chamber 1514.The fluid chamber 1514 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1512. The fluid chamber 1514 is configured to retain fluidtherein and be positioned upon the mobile device when the mobile deviceis coupled to the body 1512. The fluid within the fluid chambers 1514may have less density than water to allow the case 1510 to float.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, the fluid chamber 1514 forms anintermediate layer 1544 positioned between an inner layer 1546 and anouter layer 1548 of the body 1512 (marked in FIGS. 15D and 15E). Theintermediate layer 1544 forms an intermediate layer of the base wall1516. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1514 may form an intermediatelayer of only a portion of the base wall 1516 or only a portion of allof the side walls 1518.

The fluid chamber 1514 may be positioned on at least one of the fourcorners of the body 1512. The fluid chamber 1514 at the corners areexposed by the inner layer 1546 and the outer layer 1548.

FIG. 15B illustrates a left side view of the case 1510. FIG. 15Cillustrates a front perspective view of the case 1510.

FIG. 15D illustrates a front perspective view of the case with the innerlayer 1546 separate from the intermediate layer 1544 and the outer layer1548. The inner layer 1546 may include substantially flattened surfacesthat form a portion of the base wall 1516 and side walls 1518 and areconfigured to face towards the mobile device. The intermediate layer1544 may include substantially flattened surfaces that extend over theinner layer 1546. Portions of the intermediate layer 1544 may extendinto cutouts of the inner layer 1546 at the corners of the inner layer1546. The intermediate layer 1544 may include openings 1550 to allowportions of the inner layer 1546 to pass therethrough. The outer layer1548 may include a substantially flattened surface that covers theportion of the intermediate layer 1544 forming the base wall 1516 andthat is configured to face opposite an interior surface of the innerlayer 1544 that faces the mobile device. The outer layer 1548 may jointo the inner layer 1546 by being coupled to the inner layer 1546.

FIG. 15E illustrates a rear perspective view of the case 1510 with theinner layer 1546 separate from the intermediate layer 1544 and the outerlayer 1548. The inner layer 1546 may include protrusions 1552 configuredto extend through openings 1550 of the intermediate layer 1544 to coupleto the outer layer 1548. The protrusions 1552 may couple to the outerlayer 1548 through use of an adhesive or a mechanical attachment orother coupling method. The inner layer 1546, intermediate layer 1544 andthe outer layer 1548 may be separably coupled to one another. In oneembodiment, the inner layer 1546, intermediate layer 1544 and the outerlayer 1548 may be integrally coupled to one another.

The intermediate layer 1544 may be made of a flexible material to allowthese portions of the body 1512 to more easily fit over the mobiledevice. The inner layer 1546 and outer layer 1548 may be made of a morerigid material to add support to the body 1512. In one embodiment, theintermediate layer 1544, inner layer 1546 and outer layer 1548 may bemade of the same material, or materials having a similar degree offlexibility. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1544, inner layer1546 and outer layer 1548 may be integral with one another. For example,in one embodiment, these portions of the body 1512 may be dual injectionmolded together.

In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1544, inner layer 1546 andouter layer 1548 may be made of a flexible material such as anelastomer. The fluid chamber 1514 may also be made from a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be a thermoplasticelastomer or the like. Other flexible materials or elastomers may beutilized as desired. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1544,inner layer 1546 and outer layer 1548 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1512 may be madeof the same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1512 may bemade of different material or materials having different properties suchas flexibility.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1610 for a mobile device.The case 1610 includes a body 1612 that includes a fluid chamber 1614.The fluid chamber 1614 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1612.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, the fluid chamber 1614 forms anintermediate layer 1644 positioned between an inner layer 1646 and anouter layer 1648 of the body 1612. The intermediate layer 1644 forms anintermediate layer of the base wall 1616. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 1614 may form an intermediate layer of only a portion of thebase wall 1616 or only a portion of all of the side walls 1618.

The fluid chamber 1614 may be positioned on at least one of the fourcorners of the body 1612. The fluid chamber 1614 at the corners areexposed by not being covered by the inner layer 1646 and the outer layer1648.

FIG. 16A is a rear perspective view of the case with the inner layer1646 separate from the intermediate layer 1644 and the outer layer 1648.The inner layer 1646 may include substantially flattened surfaces thatform a portion of the base wall 1616 and side walls 1618. Theintermediate layer 1644 may include substantially flattened surfacesthat extend over the inner layer 1646. Portions of the intermediatelayer 1644 may extend into cutouts of the inner layer 1646 at thecorners of the inner layer 1646. The intermediate layer 1644 may includeopenings 1650 to allow portions of the inner layer 1646 to passtherethrough. The outer layer 1648 includes a substantially flattenedsurface that covers the portion of the intermediate layer 1644 formingthe base wall 1616. The outer layer 1648 may join to the inner layer1646 by being coupled to the inner layer 1646. The inner layer 1646 mayinclude protrusions 1652 configured to extend through openings 1650 ofthe intermediate layer 1644 to couple to the outer layer 1648. Theprotrusions 1652 may couple to the outer layer 1648 through use of anadhesive or a mechanical attachment or other coupling method. The innerlayer 1646, intermediate layer 1644 and the outer layer 1648 may beseparably coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the inner layer1646, intermediate layer 1644 and the outer layer 1648 may be integrallycoupled to one another.

The intermediate layer 1644 may be made of a flexible material to allowthese portions of the body 1612 to more easily fit over the mobiledevice. The inner layer 1646 and outer layer 1648 may be made of a morerigid material to add support to the body 1612. In one embodiment, theintermediate layer 1644, inner layer 1646 and outer layer 1648 may bemade of the same material, or materials having a similar degree offlexibility. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1644, inner layer1646 and outer layer 1648 may be integral with one another. For example,in one embodiment, these portions of the body 1612 may be dual injectionmolded together.

In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1644, inner layer 1646 andouter layer 1648 may be made of a flexible material such as anelastomer. The fluid chamber 1614 may also be made from a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be a thermoplasticelastomer or the like. Other flexible materials or elastomers may beutilized as desired. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 1644,inner layer 1646 and outer layer 1648 may be made of a more rigidmaterial such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1612 may be madeof the same material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, the portions of the body 1612 may bemade of different material or materials having different properties suchas flexibility.

FIG. 17A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1710 for a mobile device.The case 1710 includes a body 1712 that includes a fluid chamber 1714.The fluid chamber 1714 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1712.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17A, the fluid chamber 1714 forms thebase wall 1716 and the side walls 1718 of the body 1712. The fluidchamber 1714 forms a single layer structure that extends over the basesurface and side surfaces of the mobile device. The fluid chamber 1714may have a larger size at the corners of the case 1710 to provideadditional cushioning for the case 1710. The body 1712 may be a singlepiece.

In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 1714 may form a portion of basewall 1716 and/or at least one of the side walls 1718, which may includeall of the side walls 1718. Connector portions may form the remainingportions of the body 1712.

The fluid within the fluid chamber 1714 may have less density than waterto allow the case 1710 to float.

The fluid chamber 1714 may be made of a flexible material to allow theseportions of the body 1712 to more easily fit over the mobile device. Inone embodiment, the fluid chamber 1714 may be made of a flexiblematerial such as an elastomer. The fluid chamber 1714 may also be madefrom a flexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 1714 may be made of a more rigid material such as a rigidthermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the body 1712 may be made of the samematerial or materials having similar properties such as flexibility. Inone embodiment, portions of the body 1712 may be made of differentmaterial or materials having different properties such as flexibility.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 18A-18B is similar to the embodiment shownin FIGS. 17A-17B. The dimensions, however, of the case 1810 vary as theembodiment shown in FIGS. 18A-18B may be configured to couple to a“tablet” style mobile device, similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.14A-14B. The case 1810 may have dimensions of between about 10 and 7inches in length, and have a width of between about 8 and 5 inches. Thecase 1810 preferably has a length between about 9.5 and 7.5 inches, anda width of between about 7.5 and 5 inches. In one embodiment, thedimensions of the case 1810 may be varied as desired. Any of theembodiments of cases shown or discussed in this application may be sizedin the manner discussed in regard to the case 1810.

FIG. 19A illustrates an embodiment of a case 1910 for a mobile device.The case includes a body 1912 that includes a fluid chamber 1914. Thefluid chamber 1914 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 1912.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19A, a fluid chamber 1914 forms aportion of the base wall 1916 and a fluid chamber 1914 forms the sidewalls 1918. The fluid chamber 1914 on the base wall 1916 forms a raisedportion of the body 1912. The raised portion extends in a directionalong the base wall 1916 from one end of the body 1912 to another end.The fluid chamber 1914 from the side walls 1918 may be sized larger atthe corners to provide cushions for the mobile device.

Connector portions may join the fluid chamber 1914 on the base wall 1916to the fluid chamber 1914 forming the side walls 1918. In oneembodiment, any of the fluid chambers 1914 may form a portion of basewall 1916 and/or at least one of the side walls 1918, which may includeall of the side walls 1918. Connector portions may form the remainingportions of the body 1912.

FIG. 19B illustrates a right side view of the case 1910. The side wall1918 may include an opening 1956. The fluid chamber 1914 may form a tubethat extends adjacent the opening 1956. FIG. 19C illustrates a bottomview of the case 1910. FIG. 19D illustrates a top view of the case 1910.

FIG. 19E illustrates a rear perspective view of the case 1910.

The fluid chamber 1914 and the remaining portions of the body 1912 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portions of the body 1912to more easily fit over the mobile device. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 1914 and remaining portions of the body 1912 may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 1914 and the remaining portions of the body 1912 may be made ofa more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane,polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, all portions of the body1912 may be made of the same material or materials having similarproperties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, portions of the body1912 may be made of different material or materials having differentproperties such as flexibility.

FIG. 20A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2010 for a mobile device.The case 2010 includes a body 2012 that includes a fluid chamber 2014.The fluid chamber 2014 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2012.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20A, the body 2012 includes a pluralityof fluid chambers 2014. The base wall 2016 includes a plurality of fluidchambers 2014 and the side walls include a plurality of fluid chambers2014. The fluid chambers 2014 on the base wall 2016 form a repeatingpattern on the base wall 2016 that extends from one end of the body 2012to the other end. The plurality of fluid chambers extend laterally andat an angle across the base wall 2016. The plurality of fluid chambers2014 form a raised portion of the base wall 2016. The plurality of fluidchambers 2014 are in fluid isolation from each other. The fluid chambers2014 on the side walls 2018 form repeating patterns of raised portionsand are in fluid isolation from each other. The fluid chambers 2014 atthe corners of the body 2012 form cushions. In one embodiment, solelythe base wall 2016 or at least one of the side walls 2018 may includethe plurality of fluid chambers 2014. In one embodiment, the base wall2016 includes at least one of the plurality of fluid chambers 2014,and/or at least one of the plurality of side walls 2018 includes atleast one of the plurality of fluid chambers 2014.

Connector portions form the remaining portions of the body 2012. Thecase 2010 may have a single body design. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 2014 may be in fluid communication with one another.

FIG. 20B illustrates a left side view of the case 2010. FIG. 20Cillustrates a bottom view of the case 2010. FIG. 20D illustrates a topview of the case 2010.

FIG. 20E illustrates a rear perspective view of the case 2110.

The fluid chamber 2014 and the remaining portions of the body 2012 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portions of the body 2012to more easily fit over the mobile device. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 2014 and remaining portions of the body 2012 may be made of aflexible material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials orelastomers may be utilized as desired. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 2014 and the remaining portions of the body 2012 may be made ofa more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane,polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, all portions of the body2012 may be made of the same material or materials having similarproperties such as flexibility. In one embodiment, portions of the body2012 may be made of different material or materials having differentproperties such as flexibility.

FIG. 21A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2110 for a mobile device.The case 2110 includes a body 2112 that includes a fluid chamber 2114.The fluid chamber 2114 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2112.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21A, the fluid chamber 2114 forms thebase wall 2116 and the side walls 2118 of the case 2110. A plurality ofsupports 2157 in the form of columnar structures are positioned in thefluid chamber 2114. The supports 2157 may serve as spacers between theouter and inner walls defining the fluid chamber 2114. The supports 2157may be spaced such that fluid may pass between the supports 2157.

FIG. 21B illustrates a left side view of the case 2110. FIG. 21Cillustrates a bottom view of the case 2110. FIG. 21D illustrates a topview of the case 2110. FIG. 21E illustrates a perspective view of thecase 2110.

FIG. 22A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2210 for a mobile device.The case 2210 includes a body 2212 that includes a fluid chamber 2214.The fluid chamber 2214 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2212.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22A, the fluid chamber 2214 forms thebase wall 2216 and the side walls 2218 of the case 2210. A plurality ofsupports 2257 in the form of ridges in a crossing pattern are positionedin the fluid chamber 2214. The supports 2257 may serve as spacersbetween the outer and inner walls defining the fluid chamber 2214. Thesupports 2257 may be spaced such that fluid may pass between thesupports 2257.

The fluid chambers 2114, 2214 and the remaining portions of the bodies2112, 2212 may be made of a flexible material to allow these portions ofthe bodies 2112, 2212 to more easily fit over the mobile device. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 2114, 2214 and remaining portions of thebodies 2112, 2212 may be made of a flexible material such as anelastomer. The elastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like.Other flexible materials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. Inone embodiment, the fluid chambers 2114, 2214 and the remaining portionsof the bodies 2112, 2212 may be made of a more rigid material such as arigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the bodies 2112, 2212 may be made of thesame material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, portions of the bodies 2112, 2212 may bemade of different material or materials having different properties suchas flexibility.

FIG. 23A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2310 for a mobile device.The case 2310 includes a body 2312 that includes a fluid chamber 2314.The fluid chamber 2314 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2312.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23A, a plurality of fluid chambers 2314form a portion of the side walls 2318. Fluid chambers 2314 arepositioned at the corners of the case 2310 and along the length of theside walls 2318 of the case 2310. Connector portions connect the fluidchambers 2314. The fluid chambers 2314 are in fluid isolation from eachother. In one embodiment, the fluid chambers 2314 may be in fluidcommunication with each other. In one embodiment, the fluid chambers2314 may form the entirety of the side walls 2318 of the case 2310.

FIG. 23B illustrates a right side view of the case 2310, a fluid chamber2314 extends along the length of the side wall 2318 of the case.

FIG. 24A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2410 for a mobile device.The case 2410 includes a body 2412 that includes a fluid chamber 2414.The fluid chamber 2414 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2412.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24A, the fluid chambers 2414 areconfigured similarly as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24A, however,the fluid chambers 2414 at the corners form two separate corner bumpers.The fluid chambers forming the corner bumpers are in fluid isolation,however, in one embodiment the fluid chambers forming the corner bumpersmay be in fluid communication.

The fluid chambers 2314, 2414 and the remaining portions of the bodies2312, 2412 may be made of a flexible material to allow these portions ofthe bodies 2312, 2412 to more easily fit over the mobile device. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 2314, 2414 and remaining portions of thebodies 2312, 2412 may be made of a flexible material such as anelastomer. The elastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like.Other flexible materials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. Inone embodiment, the fluid chambers 2314, 2414 and the remaining portionsof the bodies 2312, 2412 may be made of a more rigid material such as arigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the bodies 2312, 2412 may be made of thesame material or materials having similar properties such asflexibility. In one embodiment, portions of the bodies 2312, 2412 may bemade of different material or materials having different properties suchas flexibility.

FIG. 25A illustrates an embodiment of an armband 2560 for a mobiledevice. The armband 2560 includes a band 2562 that is configured toextend around at least a portion of a wearer's arm and be held to thewearer's arm. The band 2562 includes a fluid chamber 2564 that isconfigured to retain fluid therein. The armband 2560 includes a coupler2566 that is configured to couple a mobile device to the band 2562.

The band 2562 is configured as a strap that extends around at least aportion of the wearer's arm. The ends of the band include connectors2568, 2570 that are configured to connect the ends of the band. Theconnectors 2568, 2570 may join to each other to assist the band 2562 tobe held to the wearer's arm, preferably above the wearer's elbow. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 25A, the connector 2568 includes a hook andloop device such as velcro. The connector 2570 includes a buckle ringthe connector 2568 passes through to connect the ends of the band 2562.In one embodiment, the connectors 2568, 2570 may vary from the structureshown in FIG. 25A, the connectors 2568, 2570 may include a button,zipper, hook or other form of connector as desired.

The band 2562 includes two arms 2572, 2574 that each extend outward fromthe coupler 2566. The arms 2572, 2574 extend outward from the coupler2566 to the respective ends of the band 2562. The arms 2572, 2574 may bemade flexible to more easily allow the arms 2572, 2574 to extend over atleast a portion of the wearer's arm. In one embodiment, the arms 2572,2574 may be made rigid.

Both arms 2572, 2574 include the fluid chamber 2564. The fluid chamber2564 extends longitudinally along the direction of the arms 2572, 2574.In one embodiment, only one of the arms 2572, 2574 may include the fluidchamber 2564. In one embodiment, the band 2562 may include a pluralityof fluid chambers 2564, with each arm 2572, 2574 including at least oneof the fluid chambers 2564.

The fluid chamber 2564 is configured to retain fluid which may be a gas,a liquid, a gel, or combinations thereof. The gas may be air or anotherform of gas. In other embodiments, other forms of fluids may be usedwithin the fluid chamber 2564. The fluid chamber 2564 may be configuredto cushion the wearer's arm from a force applied to the band 2562. In anembodiment in which the fluid is a gas, the force may be absorbed by thegas compressing in response to the force. The fluid chamber 2564 maybeneficially be a compressible fluid chamber 2564 in an embodiment inwhich a gas, for example air, is used in the chamber 2564. Thecompression properties of the fluid chamber 2564 increase the ability ofthe fluid chamber 2564 to absorb the force. In addition, thecompressible fluid chamber 2564 may increase the comfort for the armband2560 upon the wearer's arm, and improve the fit of the armband 2560 tothe wearer's arm. In an embodiment in which the fluid is a liquid orgel, the force may be absorbed by the force being transmitted throughthe liquid or gel. In other embodiments, the fluid chamber 2564 maycushion the force through another manner. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 2564 may include flexible side walls. The flexible side wallsmay flex or have a shape that varies in response to the force to enhancethe ability of the fluid chamber 2564 to cushion the wearer's arm fromthe force.

The fluid chamber 2564 may be configured to be sealed fluid tight suchthat no fluid may enter or escape the fluid chamber during use of thearmband 2560. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 2564 may beconfigured such that the seal may be broken by a user inserting fluid toor withdrawing fluid from the fluid chamber 2564. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 2564 may be pre-filled with all or a portion of the fluidchamber 2564 filled with fluid. The pre-filled fluid chamber 2564 may becoupled to the wearer's arm. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 2564may be configured to be entirely or partially filled with a fluid afterthe fluid chamber 2564 is coupled to the mobile device. In such anembodiment, the fluid chamber 2564 may have increased flexibility to bepositioned upon the wearer's arm in the manner desired, and is thenlater entirely or partially filled with the fluid.

In one embodiment, the fluid may be configured to have a density that isless than the density of water. The density of the fluid in the fluidchamber 2564 may assist the band 2562 to float if the band 2562 isdropped in water. The fluid chamber 2564 may be configured to retain asufficient amount of fluid to allow the band 2562 and a mobile devicecoupled thereto to float upon water.

The band 2562 includes a pump 2577 configured to provide fluid to orwithdraw fluid from the fluid chamber 2564 when activated.

The pump 2577 as shown in FIG. 25A includes a bladder that is pressed bya user to provide fluid to the fluid chamber 2564. The pump 2577 maydraw fluid from outside of the fluid chamber 2564 and armband 2560 to beprovided to the fluid chamber 2564. In an embodiment in which the fluidis air, the pump 2577 may draw air from outside of the armband 2560. Thepump 2577 may include a valve that opens to allow fluid to enter thefluid chamber 2564 upon activation of the pump 2577. The valve may forma fluid tight seal of the fluid chamber 2564 when the valve is closed.The pump 2577 may be positioned on one of the arms 2572 as shown in FIG.25A. In one embodiment, the pump 2577 may be positioned on any part ofthe band 2562, for example on the other arm 2574 or near the coupler2566.

In one embodiment, the pump 2577 may include a different device than abladder to be pressed. The pump 2577 may include a push button, aplunger, a rotary device, a diaphragm, or other device that operates asa pump. In one embodiment, the pump 2577 may be a fluid chamber 2564configured to vary in size by being pressed, to draw fluid to or from avalve.

The fluid chamber 2564 may form a bladder that is positioned within asleeve 2576 of the band 2562. The sleeve 2576 extends over the fluidchamber 2564. The fluid chamber 2564 separated from the sleeve 2576 isshown in FIG. 25B. The fluid chamber 2564 may include indentations 2578in the surface of the fluid chamber 2564 that allow the fluid chamber2564 to more easily bend. A surface of the fluid chamber 2564 on anopposite side of the fluid chamber 2564 may include protrusions 2580that provide additional support for the fluid chamber 2564. The fluidchamber 2564 may be configured to extend over at least a portion of thewearer's arm.

The coupler 2566 comprises a housing that is configured to extend overat least one side of the mobile device to receive the mobile device. Thehousing may cover four sides of the mobile device to couple the mobiledevice to the band 2562. The housing may form a portion of the sleeve2576. In one embodiment, the coupler 2566 may have a different structurethan shown in FIG. 25A. For example, the coupler 2566 may be a tether,snap, quick connect device, latch, or other form of coupler that couplesa mobile device to the band 2562.

FIG. 25C illustrates the armband 2560 with the pump 2577 covered by anindicator 2582. The indicator 2582 is in the form of a raised portion ofthe sleeve 2576 and indicates a location for a user to press to activatethe pump 2577.

FIG. 25D illustrates a left perspective view of the fluid chamber 2564.The fluid chamber 2564 may include a release valve 2584 that isconfigured to allow fluid to be released from the fluid chamber 2564when activated. The release valve 2584 may be positioned on the fluidchamber 2564. In one embodiment, the release valve 2584 may bepositioned in a different location on the band 2562. The release valve2584 may include a button that is pressed to open the release valve2584. In one embodiment, the release valve 2584 may have a differentstructure than shown in FIG. 25D, for example, a plunger, pull tab, orother device for releasing fluid from a fluid chamber may be used.

FIG. 25E illustrates a left perspective view of the armband 2560 withthe sleeve 2576 and coupler 2566 positioned over the fluid chamber 2564.FIG. 25F illustrates an indicator 2582 in the form of a raised portionof the sleeve 2576 that indicates a location for a user to press toactivate the release valve 2584.

The fluid chamber 2564 may be configured to increase in size, orinflate, as fluid is provided to the fluid chamber 2564 from the pump2577. In an embodiment in which the fluid chamber 2564 is configured toincrease in size when the fluid chamber 2564 is provided with fluid, thefluid chamber 2564 may include flexible side walls. The flexible sidewalls may flex or have a shape that varies as fluid is provided to orwithdrawn from the fluid chamber 2564.

The pump 2577 may be configured to provide fluid to or withdraw fluidfrom a single fluid chamber 2564 or a plurality of fluid chambers 2564.In one embodiment, the band 2562 may include a single fluid chamber2564. In one embodiment, the band 2562 may include a plurality of fluidchambers 2564. In one embodiment, multiple pumps 2577 or release valves2584 may be used in combination with a single fluid chamber 2564 ormultiple fluid chambers 2564.

The pump 2577 may be activated after the armband 2560 has been coupledto the wearer's arm or before. In an embodiment in which the pump 2577is activated after the mobile device has been coupled to the wearer'sarm, the unpumped band 2562 may be more flexible prior to being coupledto the wearer's arm. The more flexible band 2562 may be more easilycoupled to the wearer's arm. The fluid chamber 2564 may then be providedwith fluid, which may increase the stiffness of the band 2562 andincrease the ability of the band 2562 to cushion the wearer's arm. Thefit of the band 2562 upon the wearer's arm may be beneficially be variedupon activation of the pump.

The fluid chamber 2564 and the remaining portions of the band 2562 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portions of the band 2562to more easily extend around a portion of the wearer's arm. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2564 and remaining portions of the band2562 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. For example, afabric or a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2564 and the remaining portions of theband 2562 may be made of a more rigid material such as a rigidthermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the band 2562 may be made of the samematerial or materials having similar properties such as flexibility. Inone embodiment, portions of the band 2562 may be made of differentmaterial or materials having different properties such as flexibility.In one embodiment, the connector 2568 may be made of a fabric materialsuch as polyester.

FIG. 26A illustrates an embodiment of an armband 2660 for a mobiledevice. The armband 2660 includes a band 2662 that is configured toextend about at least a portion of a wearer's arm and be held to thewearer's arm.

The band 2662 includes a plurality of fluid chambers 2664 that are eachconfigured to retain fluid therein. The armband 2660 includes a coupler2666 that is configured to couple a mobile device to the band 2662.

The fluid chambers are positioned as a part of the band 2662. A fluidchamber 2664 is positioned on a side of an arm 2672 that faces oppositethe wearer's arm. A fluid chamber 2664 is positioned on a side of an arm2674 that faces opposite the wearer's arm. The fluid chambers 2664 onthe arms 2672, 2674 extend in a direction longitudinally along the arms2672, 2674. Fluid chambers 2664 similarly extend along the oppositesides of the arms 2672, 2674 that face towards the wearer's arm. Theband 2662 includes fluid chambers 2664 extending along the coupler 2666.The fluid chambers 2664 extending along the coupler 2666 extend in adirection transverse to the direction of the arms 2672, 2674. As shownin FIG. 26A, the fluid chambers 2664 extending along the coupler 2666have a substantially cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 2664 may have a different shape as desired.

As shown in FIG. 26A, the coupler 2666 comprises a housing that isconfigured to extend over at least one side of the mobile device toreceive the mobile device. The housing may cover four sides of themobile device to couple the mobile device to the band 2662. In oneembodiment, the coupler 2666 may have a different structure than shownin FIG. 26A. For example, the coupler 2666 may be a tether, snap, quickconnect device, latch, or other form of coupler that couples a mobiledevice to the band 2662.

FIG. 26B illustrates a rear view of the armband 2660. The portion of theband 2662 that is behind the coupler 2666 includes a fluid chamber 2664.The fluid chamber 2664 behind the coupler 2666 is configured to bepositioned between the coupler 2666 and the wearer's arm when thearmband 2660 is held to the wearer's arm. A perforated fabric may coverthe fluid chamber 2664 that is positioned between the coupler 2666. Thefluid chamber 2664 that is positioned behind the coupler 2666 may beglued and fixed into a recess in the coupler 2666.

The fluid chambers 2664 and the remaining portions of the band 2662 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portions of the band 2662to more easily extend around a portion of the wearer's arm. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2664 and remaining portions of the band2662 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. For example, afabric or a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2664 and the remaining portions of theband 2662 may be made of a more rigid material such as a rigidthermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the band 2662 may be made of the samematerial or materials having similar properties such as flexibility. Inone embodiment, portions of the band 2662 may be made of differentmaterial or materials having different properties such as flexibility.In one embodiment, the arms 2672, 2674 may be made of a fabric materialsuch as polyester.

FIG. 27A illustrates an embodiment of an armband 2760 for a mobiledevice. The armband 2760 includes a band 2762 that is configured toextend around at least a portion of a wearer's arm and be held to thewearer's arm. The armband 2760 includes a plurality of fluid chambers2764 that are each configured to retain fluid therein. The armband 2760includes a coupler 2766 that is configured to couple a mobile device tothe band 2762.

The fluid chambers are positioned as a part of the band 2762. A fluidchamber 2764 is positioned on a side of an arm 2772 that faces oppositethe wearer's arm. A fluid chamber 2764 is positioned on a side of an arm2774 that faces opposite the wearer's arm. The fluid chambers 2764 onthe arms 2772, 2774 extend in a direction longitudinally along the arms2772, 2774. Fluid chambers 2764 similarly extend along the oppositesides of the arms 2772, 2774 that face towards the wearer's arm. FIG.27D illustrates a rear view of the armband 2760. The portion of the band2762 that is behind the coupler 2766 includes a fluid chamber 2764. Thefluid chamber 2764 behind the coupler 2766 is configured to bepositioned between the coupler 2766 and the wearer's arm when thearmband 2760 is held to the wearer's arm. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 2764 may have a different shape as desired. A perforated fabricmay cover the fluid chamber 2764 that is positioned behind the coupler2766.

The band 2762 includes a pump 2777 configured to provide fluid to orwithdraw fluid from the fluid chamber 2764 when activated.

The pump 2777 as shown in FIG. 27A includes a bladder that is pressed bya user to provide fluid to the fluid chamber 2764. The pump 2777 maydraw fluid from outside of the fluid chamber 2764 and armband 2760 to beprovided to the fluid chamber 2764. In an embodiment in which the fluidis air, the pump 2777 may draw air from outside of the armband 2760. Thepump 2777 may include a valve that opens to allow fluid to enter thefluid chamber 2764 upon activation of the pump 2777. The valve may forma fluid tight seal of the fluid chamber 2764 when the valve is closed.The pump 2777 may be positioned on one of the arms 2774 as shown in FIG.27A. In one embodiment, the pump 2777 may be positioned on any part ofthe band 2762, for example on the other arm 2772 or near the coupler2766.

In one embodiment, the pump 2777 may include a different device than abladder to be pressed. The pump 2777 may include a push button, aplunger, a rotary device, a diaphragm, or other device that operates asa pump. In one embodiment, the pump 2777 may be a fluid chamber 2764configured to vary in size by being pressed, to draw fluid to or from avalve.

The coupler 2766 is in the form of a quick connect device configured toengage a case 2710 for a mobile device as shown in FIG. 27E. The quickconnect device may be configured as a protrusion that a mating portion2786 of the case 2710 is configured to engage. The protrusion may insertinto the mating portion 2786 and rotate relative to the mating portion2786 to couple the case 2710 to the protrusion. The case 2710 may berotated in an opposite direction to remove the case 2710 from the band2762. The case 2710 may be rotated by approximately ninety degrees tocouple the case 2710 to the protrusion. In one embodiment, the quickconnect device may have a different form than shown in FIG. 27A or 27E.

FIG. 27B illustrates a left side view of the armband 2710. FIG. 27Cillustrates a right side view of the armband. The fluid chamber 2764 mayinclude a release valve 2784 that is configured to allow fluid to bereleased from the fluid chamber 2764 when activated. The release valve2784 may be positioned on the fluid chamber 2764. In one embodiment, therelease valve 2784 may be positioned in a different location on the band2762. The release valve 2784 may include a button that is pressed toopen the release valve 2784. In one embodiment, the release valve 2784may have a different structure than shown in FIG. 27C, for example, aplunger, pull tab, or other device for releasing fluid from a fluidchamber may be used.

FIG. 27D illustrates a rear view of the armband 2710.

The fluid chamber 2764 may be configured to increase in size, orinflate, as fluid is provided to the fluid chamber 2764 from the pump2777. In an embodiment in which the fluid chamber 2764 is configured toincrease in size when the fluid chamber 2764 is provided with fluid, thefluid chamber 2764 may include flexible side walls. The flexible sidewalls may flex or have a shape that varies as fluid is provided to orwithdrawn from the fluid chamber 2764.

The pump 2777 may be configured to provide fluid to or withdraw fluidfrom a single fluid chamber 2764 or a plurality of fluid chambers 2764.In one embodiment, the band 2762 may include a single fluid chamber2764. In one embodiment, the band 2762 may include a plurality of fluidchambers 2764. In one embodiment, multiple pumps 2777 or release valves2784 may be used in combination with a single fluid chamber 2764 ormultiple fluid chambers 2764.

The pump 2777 may be activated after the armband 2760 has been coupledto the wearer's arm or before. In an embodiment in which the pump 2777is activated after the mobile device has been coupled to the wearer'sarm, the unpumped band 2762 may be more flexible prior to being coupledto the wearer's arm. The more flexible band 2762 may be more easilycoupled to the wearer's arm. The fluid chamber 2764 may then be providedwith fluid, which may increase the stiffness of the band 2762 andincrease the ability of the band 2762 to cushion the wearer's arm. Thefit of the band 2762 upon the wearer's arm may be beneficially be variedupon activation of the pump.

FIG. 27E illustrates a front view of the case 2710 for use with the band2762. The mating portion 2786 is in the form of an opening in the basewall 2716. In other embodiments the mating portion 2786 may beconfigured to have a different position or different form. In oneembodiment, the case 2710 may include a fluid chamber in a mannerdiscussed in regard to one of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-24A orFIGS. 28A-29G.

FIG. 27F illustrates a front perspective view of the armband 2760. Thecase 2710 is coupled to the band 2762.

The fluid chambers 2764 and the remaining portions of the band 2762 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portions of the band 2762to more easily extend around a portion of the wearer's arm. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2764 and remaining portions of the band2762 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. For example, afabric or a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 2764 and the remaining portions of theband 2762 may be made of a more rigid material such as a rigidthermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In oneembodiment, all portions of the band 2762 may be made of the samematerial or materials having similar properties such as flexibility. Inone embodiment, portions of the band 2762 may be made of differentmaterial or materials having different properties such as flexibility.In one embodiment, the arms 2772, 2774 may be made of a fabric materialsuch as polyester.

FIG. 28A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2810 for a mobile device.The case 2810 includes a body 2812 that includes a fluid chamber 2814.The fluid chamber 2814 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2812.

The body 2812 includes a base wall 2816 and a plurality of side walls2818 that extend from the base wall 2816. The base wall 2816 isconfigured to cover a surface, or back surface, of a mobile device thatmay be coupled to the body 2812. The side walls 2818 are each configuredto cover a respective side surface of the mobile device that may becoupled to the body 2812.

The side walls 2818 join to each other to form corners 2825 of the case2810. As shown in FIG. 28A, the side walls 2818 may form four corners ofthe case 2810. In one embodiment, the side walls 2818 may form at leastone or at least two corners of the case 2810. The side walls 2818 at thecorners 2825 are configured to be positioned upon a respective cornersurface of the mobile device. The corner surfaces are the portions ofthe mobile device marked by reference number 229 in FIG. 2C for example.The portions of the side walls 2818 between the corners 2825 are theside portions 2827 of the side walls 2818 and are configured to bepositioned upon side surfaces of the mobile device, which are marked byreference number 231 in FIG. 2C for example.

The side walls 2818 may extend from the base wall 2816 such that theplurality of side walls 2818 and the base wall 2816 form a recess forreceiving the mobile device. The mobile device is positioned in therecess 2817 for the mobile device to couple to the body 2812. The basewall 2816 and the side walls 2818 may define the shape of the recess.The base wall 2816 and side walls 2818 may be configured such that thebody 2812 forms a form fit around the mobile device. The recess maysubstantially have the shape of the mobile device. The mobile device maycouple to the body 2812 by merely being placed within the recess, or asmall lip of the body 2812 may extend over a portion of the mobiledevice, or another form of attachment device may be used to couple themobile device to the body 2812.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A, a plurality of fluid chambers 2814are included in the side walls 2818 between the corners 2825 of the case2810. A plurality of fluid chambers 2814 are positioned on a left sidewall 2818 between two corners 2825 of the case 2810, and a plurality offluid chambers 2814 are positioned on a right side wall 2818 between twocorners 2825 of the case 2810. Each of the plurality of fluid chambers2814 are configured to be positioned upon a side surface (marked byreference number 231 in FIG. 2C for example) of a mobile device that ispositioned between corner surfaces (marked by reference number 229 inFIG. 2C for example) of the mobile device. Each fluid chamber 2814 isconfigured to retain fluid therein. The fluid may be a gas, a liquid, agel, or combinations thereof. The gas may be air or another form of gas.In other embodiments, other forms of fluids may be used within the fluidchamber 2814. In one embodiment, the fluid may be configured to have adensity that is less than the density of water. The density of fluid inthe fluid chamber 2814 may assist the body 2812 to float if the body2812 is dropped in water. The plurality of fluid chambers 2814 may beconfigured to retain a sufficient amount of fluid to allow the body 2812and attached mobile device to float upon water.

The fluid chambers 2814 on the side portions 2827 of the side walls 2818form a repeating pattern of fluid chambers 2814 positioned in sequenceon the side wall 2818. These fluid chambers 2814 are not positioned atthe corners 2825 of the case 2810. These fluid chambers 2814 form araised portion of the respective side wall 2818, and have an angledparallelogram shape. The case 2810 as shown in FIG. 28A has arectangular shape with a length greater than a width of the case 2810.The fluid chambers 2814 are positioned on the opposing longer side walls2818 to form a grip structure for a user's hand to grip. The fluidchambers 2814 may be configured to cushion the mobile device from aforce applied to the body 2812. The fluid chambers 2814 may also beconfigured to provide a cushion for the user's hand when the hand gripsthe body 2812. The fluid chambers 2814 may include flexible side walls.The flexible side walls may flex or have a shape that varies in responseto a force applied to the body 2812 to enhance the ability of the fluidchambers 2814 to cushion the mobile device from the force. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 2814 on the side portion 2827 may extendinward towards the recess 2817 to contact the mobile device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A, fluid chambers 2814 are alsopositioned at the corners 2825 of the case to serve as corner cushionsfor the case 2810. The fluid chambers 2814 at the side portions 2827 ofthe side walls 2818 serve as side cushions for the case 2810.

FIG. 28B illustrates a rear view of the case 2810. FIG. 28C illustratesa left side view of the case 2810. The fluid chambers 2814 at the sideportion 2827 of the side wall 2818 are in line and protrude outward fromthe outer surface of the side wall 2818 that faces opposite the mobiledevice when the mobile device is received in the recess 2817. The fluidchambers 2814 on the left side wall 2818 cover at least 30% of the totallength of the left side wall 2818 from the uppermost end of the case2810 to the lowermost end of the case 2810 shown in FIG. 28C. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 2814 on the left side wall 2818 may covera lesser or greater amount of the left side wall 2818. FIG. 28Dillustrates a right side view of the case 2810. The fluid chambers 2814at the side portion 2827 of the side wall 2818 are in line and protrudeoutward from the outer surface of the side wall 2818 that faces oppositethe mobile device when the mobile device is received in the recess 2817.The fluid chambers 2814 on the right side wall 2818 cover at least 35%of the total length of the right side wall 2818 from the uppermost endof the case 2810 to the lowermost end of the case 2810 shown in FIG.28D. In one embodiment, the fluid chambers 2814 on the right side wall2818 may cover a lesser or greater amount of the right side wall 2818.FIG. 28E illustrates a bottom view of the case 2810. FIG. 28Fillustrates a top view of the case 2810.

FIG. 28G illustrates a side perspective view of the case 2810 withcomponents separate. The case 2810 includes an outer layer 2848 of thebase wall 2816 and the side walls 2818. The outer layer 2848 includes anexterior surface configured to face away from the recess 2817 when themobile device is received in the recess 2817. The outer layer 2848includes openings 2828 for the fluid chambers 2814 to extend through.The openings 2828 may have a substantially similar size as the size ofthe fluid chambers 2814. The outer layer 2848 of the base wall 2816 maybe integral with the outer layer 2848 of the side walls 2818.

The fluid chambers 2814 may be connected with connector portions 2823that extend between the fluid chambers 2814. The connector portions 2823join the fluid chambers 2814 to each other, yet are not configured toretain fluid. The fluid chambers 2814 may be in fluid isolation fromeach other. The fluid chambers 2814 may be sealed fluid-tight such thatno fluid may enter or escape the fluid chambers 2814 during use of thecase 2810. The connector portions 2823 may form a strip that extendsalong the outer layer 2848 of the side walls 2818. In one embodiment,the fluid chambers 2814 may be configured to be in fluid communicationwith each other.

The case 2810 includes an inner layer 2846 of the base wall 2816 and theside walls 2818. The inner layer 2846 includes an interior surfaceconfigured to face towards the mobile device when the recess 2817receives the mobile device. When the case 2810 is assembled, theconnector portions 2823 form an intermediate layer of the case 2810positioned between the inner layer 2846 and outer layer 2848 with thefluid chambers 2814 extending through respective openings in the outerlayer 2848. The inner layer 2846 may hold the fluid chambers 2814 inposition by pressing substantially flat side surfaces of the inner layer2846 against the connector portions 2823 and the fluid chambers 2814. Aflange 2833 may extend around the edge of the inner layer 2846 thatengages the outer edge of the outer layer 2848 to hold the inner layer2846 in place. The inner layer 2846 of the base wall 2816 may beintegral with the inner layer 2846 of the side walls 2818.

In one embodiment, the inner layer 2846 and fluid chambers 2814 may beconfigured to be separable as shown in FIG. 28G. The components of thecase 2810 may be held together by a mechanical attachment or othermethods of separably coupling the components. In one embodiment, anycomponent of the case 2810 may be integrally coupled to any othercomponent of the case 2810.

The body 2812 as shown in FIGS. 28A-28G has a substantially rectangularshape. The substantially rectangular shape may conform to the shape ofthe mobile device to be coupled to the body 2812. The recess 2817 of thebody 2812 may have a substantially rectangular shape to conform to theshape of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the body 2812 may have adifferent shape that conforms to the shape of the mobile device to becoupled to the body, for example an oval or oblong shape, or anothershape, as desired.

Referring to FIG. 28G, the fluid cushions 2814 and portions of theintermediate layer 2844 may be made of a flexible material. The innerlayer 2846 and outer layer 2848 may be made of a more rigid material toadd support to the body 2812.

In one embodiment, the portions of the outer layer 2848 forming thecorners of the case 2810 may be made of a flexible material, and theportions of the outer layer 2848 forming the base wall 2816 may be madeof a rigid material. The flexible and rigid portions of the outer layer2848 in one embodiment may be dual injection molded together. Theflexible material of the fluid chambers 2814, intermediate layer 2844and outer layer 2848 may be an elastomer. The elastomer may be athermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexible materials such asanother elastomer or a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane may beutilized as desired. The rigid material of the inner layer 2846 or outerlayer 2848 may be a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, orthe like. In one embodiment, any portion of the fluid chambers 2814,outer layers 2848, intermediate layer 2844, and inner layer 2846 may bemade of the same material, or materials having a similar degree offlexibility.

FIG. 29A illustrates an embodiment of a case 2910 for a mobile device.The case 2910 includes a body 2912 that includes a fluid chamber 2914.The fluid chamber 2914 is configured to retain fluid therein and bepositioned upon the mobile device when the mobile device is coupled tothe body 2912.

The body 2912 includes a base wall 2916 and a plurality of side walls2918 that extend from the base wall 2916. The base wall 2916 isconfigured to cover a surface, or back surface, of a mobile device thatmay be coupled to the body 2912. The side walls 2918 are each configuredto cover a respective side surface of the mobile device that may becoupled to the body 2912.

The side walls 2918 join to each other to form corners 2925 of the case2910. As shown in FIG. 29A, the side walls 2918 may form four corners ofthe case 2910. In one embodiment, the side walls 2918 may form at leastone or at least two corners of the case 2910. The side walls 2918 at thecorners 2925 are configured to be positioned upon a respective cornersurface of the mobile device. The corner surfaces are the portions ofthe mobile device marked by reference number 229 in FIG. 2C for example.The portions of the side walls 2918 between the corners 2925 are theside portions 2927 of the side walls 2918 and are configured to bepositioned upon side surfaces of the mobile device, which are marked byreference number 231 in FIG. 2C for example.

The side walls 2918 may extend from the base wall 2916 such that theplurality of side walls 2918 and the base wall 2916 form a recess forreceiving the mobile device. The mobile device is positioned in therecess 2917 (marked in FIG. 29G for example) for the mobile device tocouple to the body 2912. The base wall 2916 and the side walls 2918 maydefine the shape of the recess. The base wall 2916 and side walls 2918may be configured such that the body 2912 forms a form fit around themobile device. The recess may substantially have the shape of the mobiledevice. The mobile device may couple to the body 2912 by merely beingplaced within the recess, or a small lip of the body 2912 may extendover a portion of the mobile device, or another form of attachmentdevice may be used to couple the mobile device to the body 2912.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29A, a fluid chamber 2914 is included asa portion of the side wall 2918. One fluid chamber 2914 is on a leftside wall 2918 and another fluid chamber 2914 is on a right side wall2918. The fluid chambers 2914 are positioned in an opening in therespective side wall 2918, with the remaining portion of the side wallsurrounding the fluid chamber 2914. These fluid chambers 2914 are inline with the rest of the side walls 2918 such that the fluid chambers2914 and side walls form a single layer structure of the side walls2918. Each fluid chamber 2914 is positioned between the corners 2925 ofthe case 2910. The fluid chambers 2914 are not positioned at the corners2925 of the case 2910. Each fluid chamber 2914 is configured to bepositioned upon a side surface (marked by reference number 231 in FIG.2C for example) of a mobile device that is positioned between cornersurfaces (marked by reference number 229 in FIG. 2C for example) of themobile device. Each fluid chamber 2914 is configured to retain fluidtherein. The fluid may be a gas, a liquid, a gel, or combinationsthereof. The gas may be air or another form of gas. In otherembodiments, other forms of fluids may be used within the fluid chamber2914. In one embodiment, the fluid may be configured to have a densitythat is less than the density of water. The density of fluid in thefluid chamber 2914 may assist the body 2912 to float if the body 2912 isdropped in water. The plurality of fluid chambers 2914 may be configuredto retain a sufficient amount of fluid to allow the body 2912 andattached mobile device to float upon water.

The fluid chambers 2914 on the respective left and right side wall 2918side portions 2927 form a raised portion of the respective side walls2918. The case 2910 as shown in FIG. 29A has a rectangular shape with alength greater than a width of the case 2910. The fluid chambers 2914are positioned on the opposing longer side walls 2918 to form a gripstructure for a user's hand to grip. The fluid chambers 2914 extendlongitudinally along a length of the respective side wall 2918 betweenrespective corners 2925. The fluid chambers 2914 may be configured tocushion the mobile device from a force applied to the body 2912. Thefluid chambers 2914 may also be configured to provide a cushion for theuser's hand when the hand grips the body 2912. The fluid chambers 2914may include flexible side walls. The flexible side walls may flex orhave a shape that varies in response to a force applied to the body 2912to enhance the ability of the fluid chambers 2914 to cushion the mobiledevice from the force. The fluid chambers 2914 at the side portions 2927of the side wall 2918 serve as side cushions for the case 2910. In oneembodiment, the fluid chambers 2914 on the side portions 2927 may extendinward towards the recess 2917 to contact the mobile device.

FIG. 29B illustrates a rear view of the case 2910. FIG. 29C illustratesa left side view of the case 2910. The fluid chamber 2914 at the sideportion 2927 of the side wall 2918 protrudes outward form the outersurface of the side wall 2918 that faces opposite the mobile device whenthe mobile device is received in the recess 2917. The fluid chambers2914 on the left side wall 2918 cover at least 40% of the total lengthof the left side wall 2918 from the uppermost end of the case 2910 tothe lowermost end of the case 2910 shown in FIG. 29C. In one embodiment,the fluid chambers 2914 on the left side wall 2918 may cover a lesser orgreater amount of the left side wall 2918. FIG. 29D illustrates a rightside view of the case 2910. The fluid chamber 2914 at the side portion2927 of the side wall 2918 protrudes outward from the outer surface ofthe side wall 2918 that faces opposite the mobile device when the mobiledevice is received in the recess 2917. The fluid chambers 2914 on theright side wall 2918 cover at least 70% of the total length of the rightside wall 2918 from the uppermost end of the case 2910 to the lowermostend of the case 2910 shown in FIG. 29D. In one embodiment, the fluidchambers 2914 on the right side wall 2918 may cover a lesser or greateramount of the right side wall 2918.

FIG. 29E illustrates a bottom view of the case 2910. FIG. 29Fillustrates a top view of the case 2910.

FIG. 29G illustrates a side perspective view of the case 2910 withcomponents separate. Connector portions 2923 extend from the fluidchambers 2914 and may form an inner layer of the side walls 2918 thatcoupled the respective fluid chamber 2914 to the respective side wall2918. The openings 2928 in the side walls 2918 that the fluid chamber2914 extend through may have a substantially similar size as the size ofthe respective fluid chamber 2914. The fluid chambers 2914 may be influid isolation from each other. In one embodiment, the fluid chambers2914 may be configured to be in fluid communication with each other.

In one embodiment, the fluid chambers 2914 and the remaining portions ofthe body 2912 may be configured to be separable as shown in FIG. 29G.The components of the case 2910 may be held together by a mechanicalattachment or other methods of separably coupling the components. In oneembodiment, any component of the case 2910 may be integrally coupled toany other component of the case 2910.

The body 2912 as shown in FIGS. 29A-29G has a substantially rectangularshape. The substantially rectangular shape may conform to the shape ofthe mobile device to be coupled to the body 2912. The recess 2917 of thebody 2912 may have a substantially rectangular shape to conform to theshape of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the body 2912 may have adifferent shape that conforms to the shape of the mobile device to becoupled to the body, for example an oval or oblong shape, or anothershape, as desired.

The fluid cushions 2914 and connector portions 2923 may be made of aflexible material. The remaining portions of the body 2912 may be madeof a more rigid material to add support to the body 2912. In oneembodiment, the portions of the side walls 2918 forming the corners ofthe case 2910 may be made of a flexible material, and the base wall 2916may be made of a rigid material. The rigid and flexible portions of thebody 2912 in one embodiment may be dual injection molded together. Theflexible material of the fluid cushions 2914, connector portions 2923and remaining portions of the body 2912 may be an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials such as another elastomer or a flexible thermoplasticpolyurethane may be utilized as desired. The rigid material of the body2912 may be a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, or thelike. In one embodiment, any portion of the body 2912 may be made of thesame material, or materials having a similar degree of flexibility.

The elements of any of the embodiments of cases in this application maybe interchanged with one another or included with one another to producea desired result. For example, a pump or release valve as shown ordescribed in regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13B may beincluded in any of the embodiments of cases shown or described in thisapplication.

The embodiments of cases for mobile devices shown in FIGS. 1A-24A andFIGS. 28A-29G, may be beneficially configured to cushion a mobile devicefrom a force that may be applied to the mobile device case. In anembodiment in which the mobile device case may be filled with fluidafter it has been coupled to the mobile device, the filling of fluid maybeneficially allow the mobile device case to fit better upon on themobile device. In an embodiment in which the fluid is less dense thanwater, the presence of the fluid in the mobile device case may allow themobile device case to float if dropped upon water.

FIG. 30A illustrates an embodiment of an armband 3060 for a mobiledevice. The armband 3060 includes a band 3062 that is configured toextend around at least a portion of a wearer's arm and be held to thewearer's arm. The band 3062 includes a fluid chamber 3064 (visible inFIG. 30B) that is configured to retain fluid therein. The armband 3060includes a coupler 3066 that is configured to couple a mobile device tothe band 3062.

The band 3062 is configured as a strap that extends around at least aportion of the wearer's arm. The ends of the band include connectors3068, 3070 (marked in FIG. 30C for example) that are configured toconnect the ends of the band. The connectors 3068, 3070 may join to eachother to assist the band 3062 to be held to the wearer's arm, preferablyabove the wearer's elbow. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30C, theconnector 3068 includes a hook and loop device such as velcro. Theconnector 3070 includes a buckle ring the connector 3068 passes throughto connect the ends of the band 3062. In one embodiment, the connectors3068, 3070 may vary from the structure shown in FIG. 30C, the connectors3068, 3070 may include a button, zipper, hook or other form of connectoras desired.

The band 3062 includes two arms 3072, 3074 that are each coupled to andextend outward from the coupler 3066. The arms 3072, 3074 extend outwardfrom the coupler 3066 to the respective ends of the band 3062. The arms3072, 3074 may be made flexible to more easily allow the arms 3072, 3074to extend around at least a portion of the wearer's arm. In oneembodiment, the arms 3072, 3074 may be made rigid.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30A, the arms 3072, 3074 include arespective exterior surface 3067, 3069 that is configured to face awayfrom the wearer's arm when the armband 3060 is held to the wearer's arm.The arms 3072, 3074 include respective interior surfaces 3071, 3073(visible in FIG. 30B) that are configured to face towards the wearer'sarm when the armband 3060 is held to the wearer's arm. FIG. 30Billustrates an opening 3061 in the interior surface 3075 of the coupler3066 for a component of the mobile device 3030 such as a headphone jackor cord to pass through.

The fluid chamber 3064 is configured to be positioned between therespective exterior surface 3067, 3069 and the interior surface 3071,3073 to form an intermediate layer between the respective surfaces 3067,3069, 3071, 3073. The ends of the fluid chamber 3064 may be insertedthrough respective slots 3090 (visible in FIG. 30C) in the first arm3072 and second arm 3074 to couple to the respective arms 3072, 3074.The fluid chamber 3064 is positioned between the exterior surface 3067,3069 and the wearer's arm when the armband 3060 is held to the wearer'sarm. The fluid chamber 3064 extends longitudinally along the directionof the arms 3072, 3074. The arms 3072, 3074 may form sleeves 3076extending over the fluid chamber 3064 that the fluid chamber 3064couples to. In one embodiment, the sleeves 3076 may be elastic to allowthe respective sleeve 3076 to flex or have a shape that varies to allowthe fluid chamber 3064 to be inserted into the respective sleeve 3076.The fluid chamber 3064 may be removably coupled to the respectivesleeves 3076. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 3064 may beintegrally coupled to the respective sleeves 3076.

Referring back to FIG. 30A, the coupler 3066 comprises a housing that isconfigured to extend over at least one side of the mobile device toreceive the mobile device. The housing may cover four sides of themobile device to couple the mobile device to the band 3062. The coupler3066 may include an exterior surface 3065 that is configured to faceaway from the wearer's arm when the armband 3060 is held to the wearer'sarm. The coupler 3066 may include an interior surface 3075 (visible inFIG. 30B) that is configured to face towards the wearer's arm. Thecoupler 3066 may include a slot 3063 along a side of the coupler 3066for the mobile device 3030 to be inserted through for the coupler 3066to receive the mobile device 3030. The slot 3063 may close to form a zipseal of the mobile device 3030. The mobile device 3030 may be heldbetween the exterior surface 3065 and interior surface 3075 of thecoupler after being inserted through the slot 3063. The exterior surface3065 may comprise a transparent or translucent material to allow thescreen of the mobile device 3030 to be visible when coupled to thecoupler 3066. In one embodiment, the coupler 3066 may have a differentstructure than shown in FIG. 30A. For example, the coupler 3066 may be atether, snap, quick connect device, latch, or other form of coupler thatcouples a mobile device to the band 3062.

Referring to FIG. 30C, the fluid chamber 3064 is positioned between thecoupler 3066 and the wearer's arm when the armband 3060 is held to thewearer's arm.

FIG. 30D illustrates the fluid chamber 3064 separate from the coupler3066. Fabric 3088 may be applied to the interior surface of the fluidchamber 3064 to provide a cushion for the wearer's arm against thearmband 3060 during use.

The fluid chamber 3064 is configured to retain fluid which may be a gas,a liquid, a gel, or combinations thereof. The gas may be air or anotherform of gas. In other embodiments, other forms of fluids may be usedwithin the fluid chamber 3064. The fluid chamber 3064 may be configuredto cushion the wearer's arm from a force applied to the band 3062. In anembodiment in which the fluid is a gas, the force may be absorbed by thegas compressing in response to the force. The fluid chamber 3064 maybeneficially be a compressible fluid chamber 3064 in an embodiment inwhich a gas, for example air, is used in the chamber 3064. Thecompression properties of the fluid chamber 3064 increase the ability ofthe fluid chamber 3064 to absorb the force. In addition, thecompressible fluid chamber 3064 may increase the comfort for the armband3060 upon the wearer's arm, and improve the fit of the armband 3060 tothe wearer's arm. In an embodiment in which the fluid is a liquid orgel, the force may be absorbed by the force being transmitted throughthe liquid or gel. In other embodiments, the fluid chamber 3064 maycushion the force through another manner. In one embodiment, the fluidchamber 3064 may include flexible side walls. The flexible side wallsmay flex or have a shape that varies in response to the force to enhancethe ability of the fluid chamber 3064 to cushion the wearer's arm fromthe force.

The fluid chamber 3064 may be configured to be sealed fluid-tight suchthat no fluid may enter or escape the fluid chamber during use of thearmband 3060. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 3064 may beconfigured such that the seal may be broken by a user inserting fluid toor withdrawing fluid from the fluid chamber 3064. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 3064 may be pre-filled with all or a portion of the fluidchamber 3064 filled with fluid. The pre-filled fluid chamber 3064 may becoupled to the wearer's arm. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber 3064may be configured to be entirely or partially filled with a fluid afterthe fluid chamber 3064 is coupled to the mobile device. In such anembodiment, the fluid chamber 3064 may have increased flexibility to bepositioned upon the wearer's arm in the manner desired, and is thenlater entirely or partially filed with the fluid.

In one embodiment, the fluid may be configured to have a density that isless than the density of water. The density of the fluid in the fluidchamber 3064 may assist the band 3062 to float if the band 3062 isdropped in water. The fluid chamber 3064 may be configured to retain asufficient amount of fluid to allow the band 3062 and a mobile devicecoupled thereto to float upon water.

The fluid chamber 3064 may include a pump 3077 configured to providefluid to or withdraw fluid from the fluid chamber 3064 when activated.The pump 3077 may have a structure similar to the pump 2577 shown inFIG. 25B for example. The pump 3077 may include a bladder that ispressed by a user to provide fluid to the fluid chamber 3064. In anembodiment in which the fluid is air, the pump 3077 may draw air fromoutside of the armband 3060. The pump 3077 may include a valve thatopens to allow fluid to enter the fluid chamber 3064 upon activation ofthe pump 3077. The valve may form a fluid tight seal of the fluidchamber 3064 when the valve is closed. In one embodiment, the pump 3077may be positioned on any part of the band 3062, for example on anotherarm 3074 or near the coupler 3066.

In one embodiment, the pump 3077 may include a different device than abladder to be pressed. The pump 3077 may include a push button, aplunger, a rotary device, a diaphragm, or other device that operates asa pump. In one embodiment, the pump 3077 may be a fluid chamber 3064configured to vary in size by being pressed, to draw fluid to or from avalve.

The fluid chamber 3064 may include a release valve. The release valvemay include a structure similar to the release valve 2584 shown in FIG.25D for example. The release valve may be positioned on an opposite sideof the fluid chamber than the pump. The release valve may be configuredto allow fluid to be released from the fluid chamber 3064 whenactivated. In one embodiment, the release valve may be positioned in adifferent location on the band 3062. The release valve may include abutton that is pressed to open the release valve. In one embodiment, therelease valve may have a different structure, for example, a plunger,pull tab, or other device for releasing fluid from a fluid chamber maybe used.

The fluid chamber 3064 may include areas for the pump 3077 and releasevalve near the ends of the fluid chamber 3064 that may be inserted intothe sleeves 3076 of the respective arms 3072, 3074. The fluid chamber3064 may include indentations 3078 in the surface of the fluid chamber3064 that allow the fluid chamber 3064 to more easily bend. The fluidchamber 3064 may be configured to extend over at least a portion of thewearer's arm.

The fluid chamber 3064 may be configured to increase in size, orinflate, as fluid is provided to the fluid chamber 3064 from the pump3077. In an embodiment in which the fluid chamber 3064 is configured toincrease in size when the fluid chamber 3064 is provided with fluid, thefluid chamber 3064 may include flexible side walls. The flexible sidewalls may flex or have a shape that varies as fluid is provided to orwithdrawn from the fluid chamber 3064.

The pump 3077 may be configured to provide fluid to or withdraw fluidfrom a single fluid chamber 3064 or a plurality of fluid chambers 3064.In one embodiment, the band 3062 may include a single fluid chamber3064. In one embodiment, the band 3062 may include a plurality of fluidchambers 3064. In one embodiment, multiple pumps 3077 or release valvesmay be used in combination with a single fluid chamber 3064 or multiplefluid chambers 3064.

The pump 3077 may be activated after the armband 3060 has been coupledto the wearer's arm or before. In an embodiment in which the pump 3077is activated after the mobile device has been coupled to the wearer'sarm, the unpumped band 3062 may be more flexible prior to being coupledto the wearer's arm. The more flexible band 3062 may be more easilycoupled to the wearer's arm. The fluid chamber 3064 may then be providedwith fluid, which may increase the stiffness of the band 3062 andincrease the ability of the band 3062 to cushion the wearer's arm. Thefit of the band 3062 upon the wearer's arm may be beneficially be variedupon activation of the pump.

Referring to FIG. 30A, an indicator 3082 marks a location on the arm3072 to be pressed to activate the pump 3077. An indicator 3082 marks alocation on the arm 3074 to be pressed to activate the release valve.The respective exterior surfaces 3067, 3069 of the arms 3072, 3074 maybe made of a perforated fabric, to allow the fluid chamber 3064 to bepartially visible.

The fluid chamber 3064 and the remaining portions of the band 3062 maybe made of a flexible material to allow these portion of the band 3062to more easily extend around a portion of the wearer's arm. In oneembodiment, the fluid chamber 3064 and remaining portions of the band3062 may be made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. Theelastomer may be a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Other flexiblematerials or elastomers may be utilized as desired. For example, afabric or a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the remaining portions of the band 3062 may be made of aflexible material such as a polyester fabric. In one embodiment, thefluid chamber 3064 and the remaining portions of the band 3062 may bemade of a more rigid material such as a rigid thermoplasticpolyurethane, polycarbonate, or the like. In one embodiment, allportions of the band 3062 may be made of the same material or materialshaving similar properties such as flexibility. In one embodiment,portions of the band 3062 may be made of different material or materialshaving different properties such as flexibility.

The embodiments of armbands shown in FIGS. 25A-27F and FIGS. 30A-30D maybe beneficially configured to cushion a wearer's arm from a force thatmay be applied to the armband. In an embodiment in which the armband maybe filled with fluid after it has been held to a wearer's arm, thefilling of fluid may beneficially allow the armband to better fit on thewearer's arm. In an embodiment in which the fluid is less dense thanwater, the presence of the fluid in the armband may allow the armband tofloat if dropped upon water.

The elements of any of the embodiments of armbands in this applicationmay be interchanged with one another or included with one another toproduce a desired result. For example, a pump or release valve as shownor described in regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25A-25F, orFIGS. 27A-27F or FIGS. 30A-30D may be included in any of the embodimentsof armbands shown or described in this application.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely asshown and described.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the presentinvention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedembodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by theinvention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to betterilluminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on thescope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the presentspecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the invention.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in theclaims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. Whenused in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, thetransition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materialsor steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed areinherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as tothe date or representation as to the contents of these documents isbased on the information available to the applicants and does notconstitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contentsof these documents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for a mobile device comprising: a bodyconfigured to couple to the mobile device and cover at least a portionof the mobile device, the body including: a fluid chamber configured toretain fluid therein and be positioned upon the mobile device when themobile device is coupled to the body; a base wall configured to cover asurface of the mobile device; and a plurality of side walls eachconfigured to cover a respective side surface of the mobile device andextending from the base wall such that the plurality of side walls andthe base wall form a recess for receiving the mobile device, and atleast one of the base wall or at least one of the plurality of sidewalls includes the fluid chamber.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein thefluid is selected from a group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a gel,and combinations thereof.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the fluidchamber has flexible side walls.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein thefluid chamber is sealed fluid-tight.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein thefluid is within the fluid chamber.
 6. The case of claim 5, wherein thefluid has a density that is less than the density of water.
 7. The caseof claim 1, wherein the body includes at least four corners each forcovering a respective corner of the mobile device, the fluid chamberbeing positioned on at least one of the four corners of the body.
 8. Thecase of claim 1, wherein the fluid chamber forms a raised portion of thebody.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein the body includes a plurality offluid chambers.
 10. A case for a mobile device comprising: a base wallconfigured to cover a surface of the mobile device; and a plurality ofside walls each configured to cover a respective side surface of themobile device and foaming at least two corners of the case and extendingfrom the base wall such that the plurality of side walls and the basewall form a recess for receiving the mobile device, one of the pluralityof side walls including a plurality of fluid chambers each configured toretain fluid therein and being positioned between two of the at leasttwo corners.
 11. The case of claim 10, wherein the plurality of sidewalls at the at least two corners are configured to be positioned upon arespective corner surface of the mobile device, and each of theplurality of fluid chambers are configured to be positioned upon a sidesurface of the mobile device positioned between corner surfaces of themobile device.
 12. The case of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fluidchambers are in fluid isolation from each other.
 13. The case of claim10, wherein each of the plurality of fluid chambers extend through arespective opening in the at least one of the plurality of side walls.14. The case of claim 10, wherein a connector portion couples theplurality of fluid chambers to each other; and wherein the at least oneof the plurality of side walls includes: an inner layer including aninterior surface configured to face towards the mobile device when therecess receives the mobile device; an outer layer including an exteriorsurface configured to face opposite the interior surface; and anintermediate layer including the connector portion positioned betweenthe inner layer and the outer layer.
 15. A case for a mobile devicecomprising: a base wall configured to cover a surface of the mobiledevice; and a plurality of side walls each configured to cover arespective side surface of the mobile device and forming at least twocorners of the case, one of the plurality of side walls including afluid chamber configured to retain fluid therein and being positionedbetween two of the at least two corners, wherein the plurality of sidewalls at the at least two corners are configured to be positioned upon arespective corner surface of the mobile device, and the fluid chamber isconfigured to be positioned upon a side surface of the mobile devicepositioned between corner surfaces of the mobile device.
 16. The case ofclaim 15, wherein the fluid chamber extends longitudinally along alength of the one of the plurality of side walls between the two of theat least two corners.
 17. The case of claim 15, wherein the fluidchamber extends through an opening in the one of the plurality of sidewalls.
 18. The case of claim 15, wherein the fluid chamber extends overa least forty percent of the length of the one of the plurality of sidewalls between the two of the at least two corners.
 19. A case for amobile device comprising: a body configured to couple to the mobiledevice and cover at least a portion of the mobile device, the bodyincluding a plurality of fluid chambers configured to retain fluidtherein and be positioned upon the mobile device when the mobile deviceis coupled to the body.
 20. A case for a mobile device comprising: abase wall configured to cover a surface of the mobile device; and aplurality of side walls each configured to cover a respective sidesurface of the mobile device and forming at least two corners of thecase, one of the plurality of side walls including a fluid chamberconfigured to retain fluid therein and being positioned between two ofthe at least two corners, wherein the fluid chamber extends over atleast forty percent of the length of the one of the plurality of sidewalls between the two of the at least two corners.